Judge Halts East Potomac Golf Course Tree Removal in DC Case

A federal judge halted tree removal at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., after the National Park Service cut hundreds of trees during a renovation dispute involving the Trump administration, the court, and preservation groups. The temporary order remains in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday or further court action.

According to NBC Washington, the government removed about 400 trees after filing notice Friday that up to 529 trees could be cut as part of a cultural landscape rehabilitation project. The Interior Department said the work was intended to restore the course’s historic character and reopen views toward landmarks.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued the halt during an emergency hearing after questioning government attorneys about the timing of the work. WJLA reported that the court was considering a request for a temporary restraining order challenging the tree removal.

Reyes said the government had previously received the benefit of the doubt in the case before the weekend tree cutting occurred.

"I trusted you all to not do precisely what you did," Reyes said, according to NBC Washington.

The judge ordered National Park Service officials and Justice Department attorneys to explain the decision-making process behind the tree removal. She also warned that violating the order could lead to contempt proceedings.

"If that order is violated by so much as two seconds, there will be contempt proceedings," Reyes said, according to NBC Washington.

During testimony, National Mall and Memorial Parks Superintendent Kevin Griess said the removal involved trees that did not contribute to the historic landscape. National Park Service officials said the project followed a 2019 Cultural Landscape Report.

Reyes later questioned why the work was carried out during a holiday weekend with limited notice to plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The hearing expanded as officials involved in the decision were asked to appear remotely.

"I am thoroughly unamused right now. I do not know how I could have made it any clearer that I did not want what was to happen to happen," Reyes said, according to WTAE.

Community members and advocacy groups criticized the tree removal. The Washington Area Bicyclists Association called for more public involvement and transparency in the process.

"It's a sad sight to see. Very sad," John, a D.C. resident, said after seeing the work at the park, according to NBC Washington.

The National Park Service maintained that the tree work was separate from the proposed golf course renovation plans. The court’s temporary halt applies while officials address the legal challenge and provide additional information.