A federal judge said Friday she’s launching an investigation into attorneys representing Donald Trump’s administration amid the president’s plan to turn a public park and golf course into his own personal playground.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said she would appoint a special master to lead an investigation into whether attorneys misrepresented facts in their attempt to overhaul the East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.

Trump announced on Truth Social earlier this month that the golf course would close on Nov. 15. The next day, Justice Department attorneys walked back Trump’s comments, claiming there was no plan to close the park. Then, days later, the administration confirmed it planned to close the space.

Golfers pass trees recently cut down by the National Park Service at East Potomac Golf Links, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Washington.

Nathan Howard via Associated Press

Friday’s contentious court hearing began with Trump attorneys claiming ignorance of several facts, including one lawyer who said he was new to the case.

When Reyes asked whether Interior Secretary Doug Burgum was involved in the project, an official asked what she meant by the word “involved.” Reyes took out a dictionary to read the definition.

At another point, assistant Attorney General Stanley Woodward reportedly attempted to stop a line of questioning of an Interior Department official.

“It sounds like you don’t want him to answer a very straightforward question,” Reyes said.

On Monday, Reyes ordered that no additional trees be removed from the park or that any other major alterations be made.

“Rarely, if ever, has the United States Department of Justice urged a federal court not to believe the sitting President,” Reyes wrote in her ruling. “Not to believe him that a cabinet secretary has ‘developed’ a federal land project. Not to believe him that the secretary’s agency will destroy a historic golf course already on the land. Not to believe him that ‘Restoration work’ will begin ‘IMMEDIATELY!’ Not to believe him that the course ‘will be closed’ for over a year. Not to believe what the President has repeatedly told the American public.”

Her ruling continued, “And yet, here we are. This started as a case about golf. That good walk spoiled. But it has become much more. It now forces the Court to reconcile assertions by President Donald J. Trump with the sworn testimony of multiple government employees and the argument of senior Department of Justice attorneys.”

The investigation is expected to begin within days.