US judge to probe Justice Department’s statements on Trump golf‑course plan

A US District Judge has announced she will investigate whether Justice Department lawyers misled the court about President Donald Trump’s proposed renovations to the East Potomac Golf Course.

Trump has posted that the 106‑year‑old course will close in November for a 15‑month overhaul, describing it as “one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World”. The judge, Ana Reyes, is examining whether the administration’s last‑minute notice about tree removal was made in bad faith and whether officials misrepresented the closure plans.

The dispute began in February when the DC Preservation League and other groups sued over redevelopment of the park. This month the National Park Service cut down hundreds of trees without informing Judge Reyes until 15 hours before work was to start on a holiday weekend. Reyes ordered a halt to tree removal until at least 26 October and required three‑day notice for any further permanent changes.

In a 70‑page ruling, Reyes extended the halt and barred additional alterations without ten‑day notice while the lawsuit proceeds. The Justice Department has said it will appeal. At a hearing on Friday, Reyes questioned government lawyers about their knowledge of the planned closure and indicated she will appoint a special master to investigate possible misrepresentations and ethical breaches.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels.