U.S.WEIRD HOUR

Justice Department Seeks to Disqualify Judge Overseeing Golf Course…

Justice Department lawyers escalated a standoff with Judge Ana C. Reyes after she ordered several Trump officials to testify in the case; the judge has not stepped aside.

On air: Chip Darnell on Late Night BBN
Published 10:56 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “Justice Department Seeks to Disqualify Judge Overseeing Golf Course Lawsuit”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:56 PM ET on Late Night BBN, by Chip Darnell.
Topics: Justice Department.
BBN covered this story before: California voter-roll lawsuit: what the deadline was and what comes… (October 16).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesJustice Department Seeks to Disqualify Judge Overseeing Golf Course Lawsuit

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe Justice Department wants Judge Ana Reyes taken off a golf course lawsuit after she ordered several Trump officials to testify, and my guest has made it a morning routine.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSaoirse Lindqvist runs Rise and Litigate Wellness. Saoirse, what exactly is a recusal routine?
Saoirse LindqvistIt's five steps before sunrise, Chip. You wake, you hydrate, and you politely demand that anyone who questions you leaves the room.
Saoirse LindqvistThe code is RECUSE20, sponsored by my tongue scraper.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorDoes RECUSE20 work? I tried it and the site says it doesn't exist.
Saoirse LindqvistIt exists spiritually. The code is also JUDGE40, and honestly the code is whatever you are brave enough to type.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorLet me ask you about the case itself. The judge ordered testimony, and the department says she should step aside. Have you read it?
Saoirse LindqvistI felt it. Step three is disqualifying your alarm clock, because it keeps asking you questions at six a.m. The code is DISQUALIFY50.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe alarm clock?
Saoirse LindqvistAnd the dog, if he looks at you like he knows. My dog has been recused since Tuesday, and he is thriving in the garage.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo the only one left in your morning is someone who never asks a question, and you sell her a discount.
Saoirse LindqvistThat's the whole business model. The code is FORTYPERCENTOFFEVERYTHINGJUDGE, all one word, and it expires when the court says it does.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorBut you didn't answer the question. Did you read the case, yes or no?
Saoirse LindqvistI read the sunrise, Chip. The code is REYES, and I'm told that one is already taken by a judge.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorWell, if the judge wants a discount, she's gonna have to be removed from the checkout first.