Judge probes whether Trump DOJ misled court on golf plan

Josephine Walker

East Potomac Golf Course, where hundreds of trees were cut down as part of a renovation project under U.S. President Donald Trumpâs administration, is seen in Washington, D.C., on October 27, 2026, — East Potomac Golf Course, where hundreds of trees were cut down as part of a renovation project, is seen in Washington, D.C., on October 27, 2026. Photo: Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images.

A federal judge said Friday she plans to appoint a special master to investigate whether Justice and Interior Department officials misled the court about the Trump administration's plans to renovate a D.C. golf course, according to news reports.

Why it matters: The investigation could lead to professional sanctions, contempt proceedings or criminal referrals against administration officials over allegations government lawyers misled the judge.

Driving the news: U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes opened a hearing Friday by reading ethics rules requiring attorneys to be truthful with courts, then questioned Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. about the administration's conflicting accounts, according to news reports.

Trump announced Oct. 18 the golf course would close Nov. 15 for roughly 15 months of renovations. Woodward told the court the next day there was "no plan to close the course." On Oct. 28, the Justice Department acknowledged Trump had directed the closure.

Catch up quick: A preservation group and two golfers are suing the administration over what they say is President Trump's illegal plan to convert the historic, public East Potomac Golf Links into a championship-level golf course.

After government crews cut down more than 400 trees, Reyes barred further tree removal without court approval and required 10 business days' notice before closing the park or making irreversible changes. The administration has appealed.

What they're saying: "The Department of Justice will not be deterred from executing on the President's agenda," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

The White House and DOI didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

What's next: Reyes said she intends to appoint a special master who could review documents, question witnesses under oath and hold hearings. The government would have five business days to object after a special master is selected, the Washington Post reported.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

Go deeper: Exclusive: Congress presses Trump on D.C. golf course plans

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Judge probes whether Trump DOJ misled court on golf plan

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