A federal judge intends to appoint former US Attorney Jessie Liu to investigate whether Trump administration lawyers committed "ethical violations" in a legal case concerning the renovation of a Washington, DC, golf course, following accusations of lying and tree removal without proper notice.
District Judge Ana C. Reyes announced her intent to appoint Jessie Liu, former US Attorney for the District of Columbia, to investigate potential ethical violations by lawyers from the Departments of Justice and Interior. This probe stems from a heated legal battle over President Donald Trump’s planned renovation of East Potomac Golf links. Preservationists and golfers sued to block changes, fearing the loss of an affordable public course. Judge Reyes expressed extreme disappointment and fury after the Trump administration removed over 400 trees from the park with less than a day's notice, claiming the removals were unrelated to Trump's renovation plans. The judge has repeatedly rebuked the government's conduct, questioning whether she was lied to about plans and timing, and implying potential sanctions for the attorneys. The government's attempts to have Reyes recuse herself have been unsuccessful. Liu, who served as DC's top prosecutor from 2017 to 2020, will investigate the conduct, with both parties given until next week to respond to the order. This case is one of several instances where the Trump administration has been accused of displaying disdain for or delaying compliance with court orders.
