Judge Halts Tree Removal at D.C. Golf Course Trump Wants to Redesign

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes on Monday barred the National Park Service from removing any more trees at East Potomac Golf Links until at least Tuesday afternoon. The order came after the agency cut down hundreds of trees over the weekend in an area known as "Trash Island" without notifying the court as previously required.

The Park Service had announced plans in a Friday court filing to remove up to 529 trees as part of a cultural landscape rehabilitation project. Superintendent Kevin Griess stated the work was unrelated to President Trump's desire to redesign the course into a championship venue.

“I have no faith that the government is not going to cut them down unless there's an order in place not to do so.”

At a fiery hearing, Judge Reyes accused the administration of defying her order to provide notice before removing more than ten trees. She expressed having "no faith" the government would stop cutting without a court order.

The government reported about 430 trees cut by Monday, while plaintiffs estimated the number at roughly 529. The tree removal is part of a broader legal battle over the future of the historic public course, which Trump has visited with architects and cabinet members to discuss renovation plans.

Residents and advocacy groups fear the renovation will lead to higher fees and reduced public access at the century-old course. The Interior Department maintains the tree work restores historic views and addresses overgrowth under a seven-year-old plan.