Judge opens inquiry into DOJ over Trump plan to close East Potomac golf course

A federal judge has opened an investigation into potential DOJ misconduct when it comes to the Trump administration's plans to close East Potomac Park golf course in D.C. Yeah, that's right. So tonight, the judge wants to know whether the administration crossed ethical lines. It's just one of two major court hearings happening today, centering on the president's projects in the district. Fox 5's Sharon O'Day joins us live now with more. Sharon? Yes, Mari Angie, the fate of this historic golf course is still up in the air tonight. But today's legal fight took a different turn when a federal judge clashed with senior DOJ officials questioning these attorneys about whether or not they've been honest about the president's plan. So, yes, she is now ordering an investigation into this to see whether or not they misled the court. The plan has not been honestly represented, in our view, by the government. The judge is troubled, and rightly so, by these misrepresentations that appear to have been made. Yeah, Judge Ana Reyes now plans to appoint a special master to investigate whether DOJ attorneys misled the court. President Trump announced plans to close the court November 15th for a major overhaul, but government lawyers initially told the judge no closure plan existed. The DOJ has since acknowledged that the president directed the closure. Meantime, the judge has restricted further tree removal after hundreds were cut down. And in a separate hearing today, another federal judge considered a challenge to President Trump's proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Opponents argue the project needs congressional approval. But back here at East Potomac, the concerns go beyond golf. Critics fear the president's plans could fundamentally change a public space that's been part of Washington for generations. It's used by runners, walkers, bikers. It's a way for people to drive out there and go fishing. It's like Washington, D.C.'s Central Park out there on Haines Point. And it's completely outrageous that the administration would be pushing to steal this public space away from all of the nature lovers out there. And a lot of people here are very confused with this back and forth. Now, the DOJ did confirm that closure is supposed to happen November 15th. But with this legal battle, it's now unclear whether they can move forward with that timeline. Shamari, Angie.