Judge Probes DOJ Conduct in Trump Golf Course Dispute

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes opened an inquiry on Oct. 30, 2026 into whether Justice and Interior officials misled the court on Trump’s plan to redevelop East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. Trump announced on Truth Social a Nov. 15 closure. DOJ lawyers first told the court there was no plan; the administration later confirmed it. Reyes halted further tree removal and major alterations. She is considering a special master and gave the DOJ five business days to object. Outcomes could include sanctions, contempt, or criminal referrals. At a Friday hearing she pressed officials on Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s involvement and read a dictionary definition of “involved.” When DOJ lawyer Stanley Woodward tried to stop questioning of an Interior official, Reyes said, “It sounds like you don’t want him to answer a very straightforward question.” In her ruling she wrote, “Rarely, if ever, has the United States Department of Justice urged a federal court not to believe the sitting President,” including claims restoration would begin “IMMEDIATELY!” and the course “will be closed” for over a year. “This started as a case about golf. That good walk spoiled. But it has become much more,” she wrote, forcing the court to reconcile Trump’s assertions with sworn employee testimony and DOJ arguments. Preservation groups sued. The inquiry is pending.