Donald Trump's social media posts on the renovation of a historic golf course in the nation's capital are putting Justice Department lawyers in the uncomfortable position of explaining whether the president of the United States should be believed or not.

U.S. Judge Ana Reyes said Tuesday that the department should clarify "whether any plan exists to close East Potomac Golf Course on or around November 15, 2026." She ordered Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. to appear in court Friday or Monday for a status hearing.

Tuesday's order came in response to Trump's social media post late Monday criticizing Reyes' temporary injunction stopping work at East Potomac Park.