A federal judge said Saturday she intends to appoint Jessie Liu, a former U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, as a special master in the lawsuit over President Donald Trump’s plans for a historic public golf course in Washington.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said Liu would investigate whether Interior Department and National Park Service officials, or Justice Department attorneys, violated ethics rules or misled the court about the renovation plans and tree cutting at East Potomac Golf Course.
The appointment is not final.
Both sides can respond in writing by Friday, when the next hearing is scheduled.
The case was filed in February by the DC Preservation League and two golfers.
The administration plans to close the course on Nov. 15 to build a “World Class, championship-level golf course.” An injunction issued last month bars further tree removal.
Georgetown Law professor David Super said a formal judicial inquiry of this kind “can be a precursor to holding someone in contempt of court.”
As U.S. attorney, Liu handled some matters referred by special counsel Robert Mueller.
Trump later nominated her for associate attorney general, but she withdrew after Senate opposition.
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