A federal judge intends to appoint former US Attorney Jessie Liu to investigate potential ethical violations by Trump administration lawyers in a case concerning a golf course renovation, following accusations of lying and the controversial removal of over 400 trees.
Federal District Judge Ana C. Reyes announced her intent to appoint former US Attorney Jessie Liu to investigate possible 'ethical violations' by Department of Justice and Interior lawyers. The probe arises from a protracted legal dispute over President Donald Trump's planned renovation of the East Potomac Golf links in Washington, DC. Preservationists and golfers had sued to block the changes, concerned about altering the course's identity and removing an affordable public amenity. Judge Reyes expressed profound disappointment and fury after government lawyers removed over 400 trees from the park with less than a day's notice, despite the administration's claims that the removals were unrelated to Trump's renovation. The judge has repeatedly rebuked the government's conduct, stating they have lost all credibility and implying potential sanctions for the attorneys. She explicitly questioned whether she had been 'lied to' about plans and timing. The Trump administration had unsuccessfully sought to have Judge Reyes recuse herself from the case. Jessie Liu, who served as DC's top prosecutor from 2017 to 2020, will lead the investigation. This golf course case, while comparatively low-stakes, is cited as another instance where the Trump administration allegedly displayed disdain for, flouted, or delayed compliance with court orders. A hearing is scheduled for Friday as plaintiffs seek to temporarily block the administration's plans to close the course for renovations.
