From Law & Crime · · 2m
Judge Names Special Master to Investigate Trump Admin's Alleged Ethical Violations
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes appoints Jessie K. Liu as special master to assess whether DOJ or Trump administration officials lied about golf course plans.
In brief
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes appoints Jessie K. Liu as special master to assess whether DOJ or Trump administration officials lied about golf course plans. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes appoints Jessie K. Liu to investigate whether Trump administration lawyers committed ethical violations during golf course…
Judge appoints special master
U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes names Jessie K. Liu as special master to investigate whether Trump administration attorneys committed ethical violations during golf course litigation.
Liu's background
Jessie K. Liu served as U.S. Attorney for District of Columbia from 2017 to 2020 and previously as an assistant U.S. attorney.
Special master's role
The special master will assess whether DOJ or other Trump administration officials lied about plans to build a golf course at East Potomac Park.
Timeline of dispute
The lawsuit began in February over Trump's plans to build a championship-style golf course at East Potomac Park, which is part of a federal park.
Judge's initial resistance
Judge Reyes initially resisted relief for plaintiffs, stating she did not want to be the overseer of Parks and Recreation.
Tree removal incident
The Interior Department removed 529 trees from the golf course in early October, which earned the judge's ire and led to a freeze on further construction.
Judge's questioning
Reyes pressed DOJ and DOI attorneys about whether they were candid with the court regarding the tree removal and Trump's social media posts.
Nov 15 deadline
The government plans to close East Potomac Park on Nov 15, in line with the preliminary injunction's requirements.
Government's response
High-ranking DOJ attorney Stanley Woodward stated the plan was not in its final stages while admitting officials were not apprised of all plans.
Farewell photos
Former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia's farewell photos revealed aspects of secret plans to eliminate park land for the golf course.
Formal plans filed
The formal plans were filed on Oct 30 and track with Zacharia's revelations, showing the park's bike path becoming part of the golf course.
Deadline for response
The parties have until Nov 13 to file motions related to the proposed special master.
Potential consequences
If the court appoints Liu, it will enter a detailed order specifying her role and authority.
Government's stance
The government may soon have another person to answer to as the ethics inquiry proceeds.
The key point
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes appoints Jessie K. Liu to investigate whether Trump administration lawyers committed ethical violations during golf course litigation.
