Judge Orders Halt on Tree Cutting at DC Golf Course After Hundreds Removed Over Weekend

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered a temporary halt Monday to additional tree cutting at East Potomac Golf Links, the historic public course President Trump has said he wants to upgrade into a world-class venue. The order followed an emergency hearing in which Reyes described the weekend work as a violation of her earlier understanding with government lawyers that major actions would receive advance notice.

Crews removed approximately 430 to 500 trees starting Saturday after the Justice Department filed notice late Friday. Reyes, a Biden appointee, told government attorneys they had lost credibility and that there was “no excuse” for the timing. She called the lack of earlier disclosure “inexcusable” and said she was “thoroughly unamused.” The temporary order runs through Tuesday while the court seeks testimony from Interior Department and National Park Service officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Greg Wischer.

The National Park Service has described the removals as part of a longer-term plan to address trees that do not contribute to the historic landscape and to improve safety. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the broader renovation plans argued the work causes irreparable harm and that the government failed to provide adequate notice. Reyes indicated she may extend the block and require 72-hour notice of future significant actions while the case proceeds.

Trump has publicly discussed transforming the course as part of larger changes to federal properties in Washington. The course remains open to golfers. Further hearings are scheduled, and any longer-term injunction will depend on additional evidence and the government’s compliance with the notice requirement.