Federal judge says inquiry into Trump administration lawyers over East Potomac Golf Links case will move forward

U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes announced that an inquiry into the actions of Trump administration lawyers involved in the East Potomac Golf Links case will continue. The judge said the review could be conducted by a special master or, if necessary, by herself to ensure that representations to the federal court comply with ethical rules.

Last week, Judge Reyes identified former U.S. attorney Jessie K. Liu as a possible special master to examine whether government lawyers had met court-ordered notice requirements and provided proper explanations for tree-cutting work at the East Potomac site. The Justice Department objected, arguing that no ethics investigation was warranted and that a special master could not be appointed without its consent.

In response, Judge Reyes stated, "> The court doesn’t want to do this, but I have an obligation to ensure that representations made to a federal court are made in good faith and consistent with ethical rules."

While she did not make a final decision on appointing a special master on Friday, the judge emphasized that the concerns remain on the table and that she is prepared to conduct the review herself if needed. A ruling on an emergency request by preservation groups to halt the National Park Service’s plan to close East Potomac and surrounding parkland is expected on Saturday.