A federal judge appointed a special master on Friday to investigate whether the Trump administration concealed plans to overhaul East Potomac Park in Washington as the president pushed for a professional golf course at the site. The appointment escalates a confrontation between Judge Ana C. Reyes and the Justice Department over the municipal golf course.
Judge Reyes, appointed by President Biden, has clashed with DOJ officials, expressing frustration with what she described as misleading attempts to downplay federal plans. She concluded that senior official Gregory Wischer probably withheld information about agency plans. The government acknowledged planning to close most of the park Nov. 15.
During a hearing, Judge Reyes repeatedly pressed Stanley Woodward Jr., the third-ranking DOJ official, to clarify whether his court statements had been accurate, particularly after President Trump announced on social media that work was scheduled to begin 'IMMEDIATELY!'.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing