Judge to probe whether Trump officials lied in golf course case

A federal judge announced plans to appoint a special master to probe claims that Justice and Interior Department officials lied about the Trump administration's intentions to renovate a D.C. golf course, according to recent reports. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes initiated the investigation during a hearing, quoting ethics rules that stress the importance of lawyers being honest with courts.

She questioned Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. about the administration's conflicting statements regarding the golf course closure. On October 18, President Trump announced the closure of the course for 15 months of renovations. However, Woodward claimed the next day that there was no plan to close the course. Earlier, on October 28, the Justice Department acknowledged Trump's directive to close the course.

The issue is currently being litigated by a preservation group and two golfers who allege the plan to convert the historic public East Potomac Golf Links into a championship-level course is illegal. Government crews had already removed over 400 trees when Reyes intervened, prohibiting further tree felling without court approval and necessitating 10 business days' notice before any park closure or irreversible alterations.

The administration has since appealed the decision. Reyes plans to appoint a special master who will review documents, question witnesses under oath, and hold hearings. The government will have five business days to object after the special master is appointed. This developing story will be updated further.