Donald Trump is accustomed to calling the shots on the golf course. But one federal judge isn’t playing along. His latest attempt to remake a historic Washington, D.C., golf course has landed his administration in a courtroom showdown. The president’s latest legal headache has nothing to do w ith his golf swing. Instead, it involves a historic public course, hundreds of trees, and government lawyers struggling to explain his latest grand vision. Trump Suddenly Freezes Outside the White House, Leaving Reporters Waiting — Then Fans Zoom In and See Why (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Things got uncomfortable on Friday, Nov. 13, when U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes grilled Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam R.F. Gustafson over Trump’s plans to overhaul East Potomac Golf Links. According to The Washington Post, the hearing also addressed allegations that administration officials destroyed documents related to the controversial project. Gustafson suggested that Americans elected Trump partly because of his reputation as a real estate developer. Courtroom accounts noted that the attorney argued that “the people elected the president because he’s a builder.” Reyes wasn’t impressed. “People elected him so he could do golf courses in the District?” she fired back. The attorney doubled down. He insisted that Americans elected Trump knowing his “experience as a builder and success in real estate.” Reyes pressed further. Did even one voter cast a ballot hoping Trump would redesign Washington’s municipal golf courses? Gustafson maintained that voters supported Trump for “myriad reasons.” His construction background was supposedly one of them. “That was not lost on the American electorate,” he said. Reyes appeared ready with another observation. “I think the American electorate has said something in the last little bit that might — well, I’ll drop the question,” she remarked. Appellate attorney Gabriel Malor described the government’s argument as “very cringe.” Unfortunately for Trump’s legal team, the embarrassment wasn’t over. Reyes questioned the administration’s changing explanations for closing the course. Officials initially pointed to renovations. They later cited safety concerns involving a deteriorating seawall. The judge wanted to know why a problem reportedly known since 2011 suddenly required immediate action. When Gustafson appeared unfamiliar with public opposition to the project, Reyes offered him a demonstration. “Turn around, sir,” she instructed. More than 100 people were present. Most raised their hands when asked about their strong feelings concerning the redesign. Reyes also warned officials about allegations of destroyed records. She threatened sanctions or contempt proceedings within a “zeptosecond” if credible evidence emerged of improper document destruction. MSN readers weren’t rushing to defend Trump. “I don’t remember Trump ever saying anything about golf courses when he was running for president,” one person wrote. Another said, “And once again, we’ll see donnie walk away laughing while giving the country the middle finger.” A third wrote, “Surely, Trump is going to soon run out of stooges pretending to be lawyers going to court on his behalf with all these half baked go-nowhere ILLEGAL arguments in order to advance Trump’s illegal self serving projects.” On Yahoo! News, readers were equally unforgiving. “Why is trump so focussed on a singular golf course rather than on issues that affect all Americans?” one wrote. Another demanded accountability: “These current DoJ or other administration lawyers need to start being held in contempt/fined/jailed/disbarred for their actions.” A third added, “This judge is my hero. Go judge Reyes! (can someone pass the popcorn, please?)” The courtroom spectacle followed another troubling development for Trump just days earlier. Reyes moved toward appointing Jessie Liu, a former prosecutor from Trump’s first administration, as a special master. Liu would examine whether government attorneys misled the court. Trump once nominated her for a senior Justice Department position. Now, his former ally could help scrutinize his administration’s conduct. More than a week earlier, Trump’s administration had advanced plans involving celebrated golf architect Tom Fazio. Officials cited years of deterioration and promised a world-class facility capable of hosting major tournaments. The proposal would replace the existing 36-hole public complex with an 18-hole championship course. Preservationists argue that the makeover threatens the park’s historic character. Reyes has blocked damaging work while litigation continues. Trump may have big dreams for the green, but the judge appears determined to make sure his administration plays by the rules. ‘Look at Me’: Judge Puts Trump’s DOJ Lawyer on the Spot in Tense Courtroom Showdown Over His Golf Course Makeover ...read more read less