Judge Halts Trump DOJ Hearing, Demands Lawyer Who Understands the Law

A federal judge abruptly stopped a hearing on President Donald Trump’s plan to overhaul a golf course, ordering the Justice Department to produce “a live human being who understands the law” or face serious consequences. The hearing, held Friday, focused on a lawsuit challenging the government’s decision to close East Potomac Park on Sunday.

Judge Reyes Demands Competent Legal Representation

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes expressed frustration during the hearing when Justice Department official Adam Gustafson admitted he needed to “brush up” on the law governing the closure. Reyes, who had been assured in prior hearings that the public would receive notice and a chance to comment before any closure, said she would not tolerate the government’s last-minute tactics. She ordered the Justice Department to have a lawyer in the courtroom within an hour who could argue the legal points competently.

“I want a live human being who understands the law and who can argue it,” Reyes said. When Gustafson said the department would “try their very best,” the judge insisted, “You’re ordered to do it or tell me that you can’t do it by 2:30.”

Government’s Closure Decision and Legal Challenges

The Interior Department had posted its written decision to close the park only Thursday evening. The closure affects everything south of Buckeye Drive, including the public golf course and Ohio Drive. The government cited a crumbling seawall and the impending loss of a course operator as reasons for the closure.

The plaintiffs, led by the D.C. Preservation League, argue the closure is part of President Trump’s broader plan to replace the existing golf course with a championship-style design by Tom Fazio. Last month, Judge Reyes ruled that the administration likely violated environmental laws in pursuing these plans.

Legal Presumptions and Government Accountability

During the hearing, Judge Reyes challenged the Justice Department’s reliance on the presumption of regularity—the assumption that government officials act properly and in good faith. Gustafson invoked this presumption when asked if an agency could make a final decision without putting it in writing, but Reyes sharply responded, “Well, you might want to move on from that point.”

The judge warned that failure to produce a competent attorney would call into question the government’s good faith in the matter, putting the presumption of regularity at risk.

Hearing Delayed as DOJ Struggles to Comply

Reyes called a five-minute recess after issuing her order, but when the hearing resumed, most of the Justice Department team remained outside the courtroom. Gustafson was unable to estimate when the park might reopen if it closes Sunday, further underscoring the department’s lack of preparedness.

The hearing’s abrupt halt and the judge’s stern directive highlight significant legal and procedural concerns about the government’s handling of the East Potomac Park closure and wider golf course redevelopment plans under President Trump’s administration.