Judge Opens Misconduct Inquiry in Trump's East Potomac Golf Course Case

President Trump wants to overhaul the public golf course at East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., into a championship course. The project has become a court fight over tree removal, environmental obligations and the government's account of its plans, according to NYT Politics and ABCNews.com.

Workers had already removed hundreds of trees before the latest restrictions. NDTV reported that at least 400 were cut over a holiday weekend with little notice to the plaintiffs. The totals differ across the coverage: The Hindu reported more than 500 trees felled.

On October 27, coverage described an extended order barring further tree cutting and restricting other alterations at the park. NPR Politics reported that the government could not clear more trees or make other changes without proper notice. ABCNews.com reported that the judge concluded the administration likely violated environmental laws.

The dispute also concerned what officials had told the court. NBC News reported on October 27 that the judge noted contradictions between Trump's social media posts and multiple government officials' sworn testimony.

Trump called the ruling unconstitutional and pledged an immediate appeal, according to Forbes. By October 28, the judge had ordered another hearing after he publicly vowed to press ahead with redevelopment, The Hill reported.

On October 29, the government said in a court filing that it would meet Trump's November 15 deadline to close East Potomac Park for the championship golf course project, according to NYT Politics. Separately, Trump claimed a White House staffer had been struck by a golf ball and said he would hold the judge responsible for injuries or deaths, Forbes reported.

On October 30, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes opened a formal inquiry into possible misconduct by government officials, according to CBS Top Stories. Axios reported that she planned to appoint a special master to investigate whether Justice and Interior Department officials had misled the court.

The court order temporarily bars the government from removing or harming further trees at East Potomac Golf Course, according to The Independent. The administration has nevertheless told the court it intends to meet the November 15 closure deadline, NYT Politics reported.

The misconduct inquiry is a separate, unresolved question about officials' conduct. It will examine whether they misled the court about plans for the municipal course, according to NPR Politics. Opening that inquiry is not a finding that misconduct occurred.

The immediate questions are how the planned November 15 closure fits with the court's restrictions and whether Trump follows through on his promised appeal. Forbes reported his appeal pledge, while NYT Politics reported the government's closure commitment.

The inquiry will also test the government's explanations for contradictory statements about the project. Al Jazeera reported that Reyes called on government lawyers to explain those contradictions; Axios reported the planned use of a special master.