Judge Blocks Trump Administration Tree Removal at D.C. Golf Course

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from removing more trees at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., after officials cut down more than 400 trees at the historic public course as part of a planned redevelopment effort. Judge Ana Reyes extended the order through Oct. 26 while seeking testimony from Interior Department and National Park Service officials.

According to court filings, the administration notified the court shortly before 5 p.m. Friday that it planned to remove up to 529 trees in phases. The National Park Service began the work Saturday, and Justice Department attorney Marissa Ann Piropato told the court that 430 trees had been cleared over the weekend.

During a Monday hearing, Reyes questioned why the government proceeded despite a previous order requiring court approval before removing more than 10 trees at the course. She ordered officials Gregory Wischer and acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron to testify at a future hearing.

"What has happened has cost the government all of its credibility with me in this case," Judge Ana Reyes said.

Reyes said the upcoming testimony would address whether officials gave the court accurate information about the project timeline and plans. She also warned that violating the temporary order could lead to contempt proceedings.

"The questions go to whether or not I've been lied to," Judge Ana Reyes said.

"Whether I've been lied to in declarations about the plans, whether or not I've been lied to about the timing of things, and whether I've been lied to about what kind of notice the court was going to receive," Judge Ana Reyes said.

The dispute stems from President Donald Trump's plan to transform East Potomac Golf Links into a championship-level course. The D.C. Preservation League and two residents sued the government in February, arguing that the project could unlawfully alter a historic public landscape.

National Park Service officials said the tree removal was connected to maintenance needs and recommendations from a 2019 report on D.C. municipal golf courses. The agency said the work involved addressing hazardous and declining trees.

"to address deferred maintenance needs and implement treatment recommendations to restore the cultural landscape," National Mall and Memorial Parks Superintendent Kevin Griess said in a court filing.

Griess also cited additional staffing available for grounds work at the site.

"approximately 20 to 50 trained personnel capable of performing labor-intensive grounds maintenance activities," Kevin Griess said.

Trump administration officials said the renovation plans remain conceptual, while critics argued that the tree clearing could represent the beginning of a larger redevelopment effort without sufficient review.

"You can't continuously say, 'There's no plan' … while you're clearly taking steps to effect a plan," Alex Rosen of Save East Po said.

"It's just frankly lying," Alex Rosen said.

The court case continues as Reyes reviews whether additional restrictions should be placed on future work at East Potomac Golf Links. A hearing with Interior Department and National Park Service officials is scheduled for the following week.