Judge expected to tap former US attorney to investigate possible ‘ethical violations’ by Trump admin lawyers in case

CNN · PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour report that U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes plans to name a special master to look into whether Trump administration lawyers and officials deceived her during litigation over the president's overhaul of East Potomac Golf Course in Washington. Her choice is Jessie Liu, who held the capital's top federal prosecutor post from 2017 to 2020.

Preservationists and two golfers sued in February to stop the project. The judge's concern grew after the government felled more than 400 trees on short notice, which officials said was unrelated to the renovation. At a hearing of more than three hours, Reyes said she was "beyond disappointed" with the government. PBS NewsHour adds that she opened a formal inquiry on Oct. 30, and that Liu once handled matters sent over by special counsel Robert Mueller. Georgetown law professor David Super told PBS NewsHour the step can precede a contempt finding.

The administration intends to shut the course Nov. 15. Both sides must respond in writing by Friday, when the next hearing is set. Efforts by the government to have Reyes step aside have failed, CNN · PBS NewsHour says.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN · PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN · PBS NewsHour → Also at PBS NewsHour →