Judge orders inquiry after DOJ admits $400M plan for Trump's golf course

The National Park Service estimates the seawall repairs at East Potomac Park will cost between $150 million and $400 million. That figure was revealed in federal court on Friday, days after government lawyers admitted they had a finalized plan to transform the municipal golf course into a championship-level venue.

The legal dispute began in February when local preservationists and golfers filed suit. For months, Justice Department attorneys maintained in court filings that no final renovation plan existed. That position shifted on Wednesday when the government acknowledged in writing that it would close the park south of Buckeye Drive by November 15.

The administration confirmed it entered a new 50-year lease with the National Links Trust on Wednesday. Under the agreement, the nonprofit will continue operating two other municipal courses but will cease operations at East Potomac. The filing stated the closure aligns with the President's directive.

On Friday, District Judge Ana Reyes convened a four-hour hearing. She quoted D.C. Bar Rule of Professional Conduct 3.3, which prohibits lawyers from knowingly making false statements to the court. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr., leading the defense, told the judge he had no knowledge of specific misstatements.

Reyes questioned whether officials were truthful when they told her on Monday that they were unaware of the park closure Trump had announced that same morning. Woodward said the submission to the National Capital Planning Commission had been in the works for weeks. Reyes noted that no one mentioned this during previous hearings, including a seven-hour session.

The judge announced she would open a formal inquiry into whether agency and Justice Department officials violated ethical rules. She said the investigation may be led by a special master with full investigatory powers. If the government rejects that option, Reyes will conduct the inquiry herself.

Reyes ordered the government to preserve all relevant documents. She also extended her ban on further tree removal and required 10 days' written notice before closing or modifying the park. The government appealed both orders.

The closure will remove public access to recreational areas and a three-mile perimeter loop. Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron stated that century-old seawalls have compromised sidewalk sections, leaving them underwater twice daily. She cited voids in the grass and damage to nearby trees as evidence of deterioration.

Woodward said the seawall repairs are necessary to prevent people from falling into the Potomac River. He declined to provide a total cost estimate for the golf course renovations. The administration has not specified the budget for the Fazio-designed course, which the government plans to submit to the planning commission for review.

Rep. Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to appropriations leaders on Thursday. He proposed language to block federal money from being used for the seawall project if it is tied to golf course redesigns, road alterations, or tree removal.