Judge Tears Into Senior DOJ Official in DC Golf Case
Sandego.net – Judge tears into senior DOJ official as a federal court examines whether Justice Department lawyers and other Trump administration officials misled the judge about plans for East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, DC. US District Judge Ana C. Reyes ordered an inquiry after a contentious hearing over the administration’s proposed changes to the public course.
Reyes questioned Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, the Justice Department’s third-ranking official, for nearly three hours. The judge focused on whether officials had attempted to avoid court scrutiny while President Donald Trump publicly promoted a major redevelopment of the golf facility.
“Let’s not play games anymore, Mr. Woodward,” Reyes told him during the hearing.
Inquiry Focuses on Court Statements and Tree Removal
Reyes said she had not determined that Justice Department lawyers made false statements. However, she directed the court to investigate whether misrepresentations occurred. A court-appointed special master is expected to oversee the inquiry, which could lead to professional sanctions.
The case centers on Trump’s stated goal of turning East Potomac Golf Course into a “world class” facility. In court, the administration has said that no formal renovation plan exists, despite Trump’s repeated public statements that the project would proceed.
The judge tears into senior DOJ official over the removal of more than 400 trees at the course on October 10. The government had argued that the tree cutting was separate from a broader redevelopment effort. At the hearing, Woodward at one point appeared to describe the removals as part of wider course improvements, drawing further questions from Reyes.
Reyes repeatedly referred to the official hearing transcript when Woodward appeared to revise or qualify earlier answers. The judge has questioned whether the tree removal can truly be separated from Trump’s stated plans, particularly because the proposed redesigned course would have substantially fewer trees.
“Are you kidding me right now?” Reyes said at one point.
Earlier Ruling Limited Permanent Changes
Earlier in the week, Reyes issued a 70-page opinion that blocked additional tree removal and required the Interior Department to notify the court before taking other actions that could permanently alter the site. The administration is appealing that decision.
The latest hearing shifted attention from the planned physical changes at East Potomac Golf Course to the government’s conduct in the litigation. Preservation advocates and golfers who filed the challenge want the course preserved, while the administration supports Trump’s plan for a renovated destination facility.
The court has also instructed attorneys to preserve documents related to the dispute. That order is intended to keep records involving planning, communications, and statements to the court available during the inquiry.
Professional Conduct Takes Center Stage
Reyes opened the hearing by reading professional conduct rules for lawyers practicing in Washington, with emphasis on the duty to make accurate factual assertions before a court. Judge tears into senior DOJ official became the central theme as she pressed Woodward to directly answer questions about the administration’s position.
Woodward said he had tried to answer honestly and effectively. He also argued that some of the judge’s questions were not directly relevant to the legal issues in the case.
“Are you done?” Reyes replied. “Can you answer my question now?”
Trump has publicly criticized Reyes, a nominee of former President Joe Biden, while calling for work on the golf project to begin immediately. The dispute now combines the future of a prominent Washington public golf course with an investigation into how the government represented its plans in federal court.
Washington, DC FAQ
What is East Potomac Golf Course? East Potomac Golf Course is a public golf facility in Washington, DC, at the center of a legal dispute over proposed redevelopment and the removal of mature trees.
What did Judge Reyes order? Reyes ordered an inquiry into whether Justice Department lawyers or other officials made misleading statements to the court about the golf course plans.
Can more trees be removed now? Reyes’ earlier ruling bars further tree removal and requires the Interior Department to notify the court before taking actions that could permanently change the site.
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