Judge orders investigation into deception

US District Judge Ana Reyes said Friday she will investigate whether justice department lawyers deceived her about President Donald Trump's golf course renovation plans.

Trees cut without court notice

The National Park Service cut down hundreds of trees at the East Potomac Golf Course without notifying Judge Reyes until fifteen hours before work began on a holiday weekend.

Government changes story on closure

Government lawyers told Judge Reyes earlier there were no plans to close the course.This week they confirmed to her that Trump had announced the course would close for fifteen months beginning in November for renovations.

Judge questions whether lawyers lied

Reyes will investigate whether justice department attorneys made misrepresentations to the court, violated ethical rules, acted in bad faith, or withheld information about the renovation plans.

“have made misrepresentations to the court and otherwise violated ethical rules”

Special master to conduct inquiry

Judge Reyes said she would carry out the investigation with a special master, an independent third party appointed to conduct investigations or provide legal work related to cases.