Updated 8h ago · Politics
Judge Taps Ex-Prosecutor to Probe Trump Golf Course Case
A federal judge said Saturday she plans to name former U.S. Attorney Jessie Liu to investigate the government's conduct. The question is whether officials misled her in a lawsuit over a Washington golf course renovation.
- Nov. 15 is when the administration plans to close East Potomac Golf Course.
- Hundreds of trees were cut on the course early last month.
- Oct. 28 was when DOJ confirmed in writing that renovation plans existed.
- The probe would be conducted at the government's cost, per the judge's order.
Why it matters: Reyes wants to know if officials lied about the scope of renovation plans and the tree removal. Early in the case, she had denied plaintiffs' motions, saying she trusted government attorneys.
- Super said such an inquiry can be a precursor to contempt of court.
- Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward reportedly told Reyes there was no closure plan.
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22 sources · 25 articles · 41% Center coverage
Center coverage, 9 sources: The center presents a procedural step in a preservation lawsuit, focused on the court's questions about government candor.
PBS NewsHour2dJudge wants former U.S. attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump golf caseCTV News2dJudge wants former U.S. attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump golf caseAssociated Press2dJudge wants former US attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump golf caseChicago Tribune2dJudge wants former US attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump admin golf caseKSAT 12 San Antonio2dJudge wants former US attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump golf caseLaw and Crime2d'An ethics inquiry': Judge in golf course case names proposed special master to assess whether DOJ or other Trump admin officials lied and 'committed ethical violations'NOTUS2dJudge Appoints Special Master to East Potomac Park Case Probe - The Washington SunScripps News2dJudge wants former US attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump golf caseYahoo News2dJudge wants former US attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump golf case
Left coverage, 8 sources: The left frames the probe as a judge cracking down on Trump's lawyers, run by a prosecutor Trump himself sidelined over loyalty.
Raw Story2dJudge puts the hammer down on Trump with new probe into whether lawyers misled the courtThe Independent2dFormer federal prosecutor set to probe whether Trump officials misled court in golf course caseAlterNet2dTrump gets nasty surprise as judge taps his past ally to expose his DC plotCNN2dJudge expected to tap former US attorney to investigate possible ‘ethical violations’ by Trump admin lawyers in casePolitical Wire2dJudge Taps Lawyer to Investigate Golf Course CasePolitico2dFormer Trump-appointed prosecutor may probe government attorney ethics in golf course caseTalking Points Memo9hJudge Plans To Appoint Special Master To Probe Trump DOJ MisconductThe Washington Post2dJudge taps ex-prosecutor to probe lawyer conduct in Trump golf course fight
Right5 sources
Just the News1dJudge initiates probe into whether Trump admin officials mislead court about golf course renovationNTD2dJudge Taps Former US Attorney to Probe If Lawyers Misled Court on DC Golf CourseThe Epoch Times3dJudge Taps Former US Attorney to Probe If Lawyers Misled Court on DC Golf CourseThe Gateway Pundit2dEnraged Biden Judge Chooses Prosecutor to Investigate Trump DOJ Officials in DC Golf Course Tree Cutting Case * The Gateway Pundit * by Cristina LailaThe Washington Times2dJudge wants former U.S. attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump golf case
What’s next: Written responses on Liu's appointment are due by 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13. A court hearing follows that day.
- Reyes has ordered Woodward to appear in person Friday.
- An injunction bars further tree removal and requires 10 days' notice before irreversible changes.
- Will the Justice Department object to Liu or argue the court should not run an ethics inquiry?
- Who ordered the tree-cutting despite assurances DOJ gave the court?
- Will the Nov. 15 closure proceed while the probe is pending?
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