Trump administration seeks to impeach judge in golf course case, accusing her of ‘egregious’ behavior
The Trump administration has called for the removal of the federal judge overseeing a legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s plan to renovate a public golf course in Washington, D.C., accusing her of “bias.”
In a motion filed Friday, the administration’s lawyer said U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes’ “behavior in this matter is nothing short of egregious,” referring to a tense hearing earlier this week.
CNN previously reported that during Monday’s hearing, Reyes — who was nominated to the bench by former President Joe Biden — said she was “furious” at the Trump administration for cutting down 169 trees from the East Potomac Golf Course without first notifying the court, adding that “the government can’t be trusted.”
In Friday’s filing, the Justice Department lawyer said, “Judge Reyes’ conduct rises to the level of deep and unequivocal antipathy toward the Trump administration,” echoing comments she made while overseeing other cases involving the administration.
“The Trump administration is entitled to a neutral forum and an arbitrator capable of maintaining the appearance of impartiality,” the lawyer continued. “Judge Reyes has demonstrated that she cannot do this.”
Friday’s filing is part of a legal challenge launched by a preservation group and two local golfers against Trump’s plans to transform the East Potomac Golf Course into a championship-caliber course. The proposed renovation is one of several construction projects the president has launched since returning to the White House as part of his efforts to reshape the physical landscape of Washington, DC.
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Crews began cutting down trees Oct. 10 at Washington’s East Potomac Golf Links, which President Trump plans to renovate. Crews are expected to cut down nearly 500 trees.
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Crews began cutting down trees Oct. 10 at Washington’s East Potomac Golf Links, which President Trump plans to renovate. Crews are expected to cut down nearly 500 trees.
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Watch: Tree felling begins at East Potomac Golf Links
Federal officials said in a recent court filing that nearly 730 trees will have to be cut down as part of the renovation plan, describing it as routine maintenance intended to eliminate potential hazards.
The administration’s lawyer also took issue with Reyes’ demand that “high-level” officials be present at Monday’s hearing, writing that she “shows a cavalier disregard for these officials’ valuable time, as well as a blatant disregard for the black-letter principles of separation of powers that she should be aware of as a federal judge.”
The lawyer then pointed to comments Reyes previously made while overseeing other cases involving the Trump administration to assert that there is a “pattern of animosity.”
According to the filing, Reyes said the administration is “literally erasing transgender people” by banning transgender military personnel. The judge ultimately blocked the ban.
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