Judge Plans Special Master to Review Trump Lawyers' Ethics in Park Dispute

U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes said she intends to appoint former U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu as a special master to examine whether Trump administration lawyers committed ethical violations in litigation over President Donald Trump’s plans for East Potomac Park and its golf course. The inquiry would cover government attorneys’ conduct through Oct. 31 and may address whether officials misrepresented plans for the site. The dispute intensified after the Interior Department removed about 529 trees from the park in early October; Liu’s appointment is not yet final, and the parties may submit motions on the proposal by Nov. 13.