Justice Department asks judge to step aside in East Potomac Golf Links lawsuit

The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to step aside from a lawsuit concerning President Donald Trump’s plans to overhaul East Potomac Golf Links, WTOP reported.

This request came after a tense court hearing earlier this week when Judge Ana Reyes discovered that the administration had started removing hundreds of trees from the golf course despite her order banning surprise work.

Judge Reyes demanded explanations from Interior Department officials and ordered two senior officials to testify about who authorized the tree removal, according to WTOP.

In a new court filing, the Justice Department accused Judge Reyes of hostility toward the Trump administration, alleging she belittled and shouted at a government attorney during the hearing.

Judge Reyes has asked the plaintiffs to respond by Sunday but has not yet indicated whether she will recuse herself from the case.