Judge Reyes launches misconduct probe into DOJ golf course filings

District Judge Ana Reyes opened a formal inquiry on Friday into potential misconduct by Justice Department officials in the East Potomac Park golf course case. The investigation will determine whether government attorneys misrepresented the status of the administration's renovation plans to the court.

The probe follows a Wednesday filing in which government lawyers acknowledged a plan to transform the municipal golf course into a championship venue. They stated the park south of Buckeye Drive would close by November 15 for renovations and seawall repairs. This admission contradicted previous claims that no final plan existed.

Reyes questioned Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. for four hours regarding the timing of these disclosures. She noted that government lawyers told the court last Monday they were unaware of the park closure, despite Trump posting about it that morning. Reyes asked if anyone had been preparing the submission for weeks while litigation continued, a question Woodward confirmed without prior notice to the court.

The judge cited D.C. Bar Rule of Professional Conduct 3.3, which prohibits lawyers from making false statements to the court. Reyes said she would appoint a special master with full investigatory powers to lead the inquiry. If the government rejects that appointment, she will conduct the investigation herself.

The administration claims the closure is also necessary to address a crumbling seawall. Acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron stated the century-old walls are compromised and that sidewalks are underwater twice daily. Woodward told the court the seawall repairs would cost between $150 million and $400 million.

Reyes ordered the government to preserve all relevant documents to prevent loss of evidence. She extended her ban on tree removal and required 10 days' written notice before any further closure. The judge said the court has trusted but not verified the administration for months and is no longer doing so.

Rep. Jared Huffman sent a letter to appropriations leaders asking them to block federal funding for the seawall project. He argued against using taxpayer money for maintenance that enables a private golf course redesign.