Golf course lawsuit: judge demands trump lawyers answer question of whether president is lying
Judge seeks an explanation
The order came after Trump criticized Judge Reyes’s temporary injunction in a social media post late Monday. The judge directed Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. to appear for a status hearing on Friday or Monday.
Injunction limits work
The preliminary injunction temporarily prevents the government from removing or damaging additional trees at East Potomac Golf Course. While the lawsuit remains active, the administration must provide 10 days’ written notice before making any “irreparable modification” to the course’s “forms or features.” Reyes cited Trump’s statements about a cabinet secretary developing a federal land project, the agency destroying a historic golf course, restoration work beginning immediately and the course closing for more than a year.
Lawyer describes dilemma
Woodward said it was difficult to put a Justice Department colleague who had not been confirmed by the Senate in the position of contradicting the president. The article identifies him as Associate Attorney General and says Reyes ordered him to attend the hearing. Critics argue Trump’s plan could make the course unaffordable for the general public and damage other uses of the site.
Lawsuits challenge plans
The D.C. Preservation League is among a coalition challenging the plans in court. The group includes the Cultural Landscape Foundation and a D.C. resident.
Key points
- A judge ordered Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. to attend a status hearing Friday or Monday.
- The injunction temporarily bars removal or damage to additional trees at East Potomac Golf Course.
- The administration must give 10 days’ written notice before certain changes while the lawsuit is active.
- A coalition including the D.C. Preservation League is challenging the plans in court.