US judge orders ethics inquiry into Trump lawyers over golf course case

What happened: A US federal judge opened a formal inquiry into whether government lawyers misled the court about plans to redevelop the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, and will appoint a special master to examine their conduct. Key numbers: Judge Ana Reyes questioned Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr Why it matters: The inquiry will determine whether the lawyers' conduct breached professional or ethical obligations, not whether misconduct occurred. The lawsuits raise broader questions about the limits of presidential authority over federal land and public monuments.

A US federal judge opened a formal inquiry into whether government lawyers misled the court about plans to redevelop the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, and will appoint a special master to examine their conduct.

The inquiry will determine whether the lawyers' conduct breached professional or ethical obligations, not whether misconduct occurred. The lawsuits raise broader questions about the limits of presidential authority over federal land and public monuments.