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Federal Judge Refuses DOJ Request to Recuse from East Potomac Park Golf Course Hearing

Confirmed1 source · Oct 19, 2026

A federal judge rejected the Trump administration's demand that she step aside from a case involving a planned golf course renovation at East Potomac Park, citing accusations of bias related to her conduct toward government counsel.

Federal Judge Refuses DOJ Request to Recuse from East Potomac Park Golf Course Hearing
Image via The Hill

What happened

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes refused the Justice Department's demand to step aside from a hearing on Monday regarding East Potomac Park. The Trump administration has accused her of bias after she yelled at a government attorney. The hearing concerns the future of the park, which President Trump has proposed renovating into a championship-style golf course.

Context

The recusal dispute centers on judicial impartiality in a case with direct presidential interest. The Trump administration's accusation of bias based on the judge's conduct toward its counsel indicates disagreement over how the case is being handled.

What's disputed

The Trump administration has disputed the judge's impartiality, claiming her conduct toward government counsel demonstrates bias; the judge's refusal to recuse indicates she does not view her actions as disqualifying.