US Judge to Appoint Special Master in Trump Golf Course Dispute

U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes has announced her intention to appoint a special master to investigate whether attorneys from the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior committed ethical violations. The inquiry stems from a legal battle over President Donald Trump’s plan to transform the public East Potomac Golf Links into a championship-style course.

The investigation follows allegations that government officials may have misled the court regarding compliance with a preliminary injunction. Judge Reyes issued the injunction to block the removal of trees at the course, citing potential violations of the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. The judge noted contradictions between assurances provided by government counsel and declarations made by the president on social media.

Judge Reyes intends to appoint Jessie K. Liu, a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, to serve as the special master. The move comes as the project faces scrutiny from a nonprofit and local residents, and as congressional Democrats prepare to utilize subpoena powers regarding the administration’s renovation projects in Washington, D.C.