Former Trump prosecutor may probe attorney ethics in golf course case
The gist
US District Judge Ana Reyes moved to appoint Jessie Liu as special master to investigate whether government lawyers misled the court.
The probe targets attorney conduct, not the golf plan itself, and the government can still object.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2026The East Potomac Golf Course project was set in motion.
- Feb 2026The DC Preservation League and two golfers sued the Interior Department and National Park Service, alleging the renovation plans violated environmental, historic-preservation and park laws.
- Oct 10, 2026The government cut down 430 trees on the site despite the project being supposed to be halted pending the court case.
Key terms
- special master
- An official appointed by a judge to ensure judicial orders are followed or to hear evidence and make recommendations to the judge.
- US attorney
- Chief federal law enforcement officer and prosecutor representing the U.S. government in one of the 94 federal judicial districts.
- final agency action
- A conclusive decision by an administrative agency that can be reviewed by courts under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Source: Wikipedia