Judge Rejects DOJ Request to Recuse From East Potomac Park Hearing

Sioux Falls, SD, October 19, 2026 —

A federal judge has refused a Justice Department request that she recuse herself from a hearing concerning the future of East Potomac Park, according to the available summary of the dispute.

The hearing concerns the park, which is slated for a golf course renovation sought by President Trump. The Justice Department had alleged bias against the judge and asked her to step aside. The judge declined that request.

The information provided does not identify the judge, give the date of the decision or hearing, or describe the basis for the department’s bias allegation. It also does not include the judge’s explanation for refusing to recuse herself, the legal arguments made by either side, or any response from the president or other parties.

The refusal concerns the DOJ’s demand that the judge leave the matter; the summary does not report a decision on the proposed renovation itself. It does not say whether the hearing has taken place, when it may occur, or what outcome the parties are seeking beyond the matter’s connection to the park’s future.

Further details about the case, including the court where it is being heard and the procedural steps ahead, were not provided. No ruling on the renovation’s status or any final determination about East Potomac Park was included in the information available.

Story summarized from the original created by Zach Schonfeld on thehill.com, see more information here.

Media gallery