Federal judge blocks further tree removal at East Potomac golf course

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes extended a preliminary injunction on Monday that stops the Trump administration from removing or damaging additional trees at the East Potomac Golf Course. The order requires the government to issue 10 days' written notice before making any irreparable modification to the course's forms or features while the lawsuit is active.

Reyes, who was nominated by former President Joe Biden, rejected the administration's request for her to recuse herself from the case. She addressed the government's argument that the court should disregard statements made by President Donald J. Trump regarding the project. The judge noted that the case began as a dispute over golf but has evolved into a conflict between the president's assertions and the sworn testimony of government employees.

"This started as a case about golf. That good walk spoiled. But it has become much more," Reyes wrote in her ruling. "It now forces the Court to reconcile assertions by President Donald J. Trump with the sworn testimony of multiple government employees and the argument of senior Department of Justice attorneys."

The judge also addressed the government's position on her impartiality. The administration accused her of engaging in egregious behavior during an emergency hearing and argued she should not believe the sitting president. Reyes responded that the court does not speak for the trees but for the rule of law.

The renovation plans were announced on social media on Oct. 18. Trump stated the course would close for 15 months starting Nov. 15 to allow for redevelopment of the 106-year-old park. A day later, he posted that work would begin immediately. The D.C. Preservation League and two individual golfers filed the lawsuit challenging the project.

Plaintiffs claim the ongoing work is causing irreversible damage. During a recent hearing, Reyes criticized the government after workers cut down at least 400 trees over a holiday weekend with minimal notice to the plaintiffs. The project is part of a larger campaign to alter Washington's historic landscape, which includes plans for a White House ballroom, a large arch, and renaming the Kennedy Center.

The administration must now comply with the extended order while the legal battle continues. The court previously mandated a suspension of work until at least Oct. 26, a deadline that has now passed with the new injunction in place.