Federal Judge Halts Tree Removal at Historic D.C. Golf Course

A federal judge ordered a halt to tree-cutting at a historic public golf course in Washington after hundreds of trees were felled for a planned renovation backed by President Donald Trump.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a 70-page order on Monday extending restrictions on the administration and requiring 10 business days of written notice before any irreversible changes to East Potomac Park.

The dispute centers on plans to remodel the century-old municipal course into a championship-level venue, drawing opposition from local golfers and preservation groups who filed a lawsuit earlier this year.

"Rarely, if ever, has the United States Department of Justice urged a federal court not to believe the sitting president," wrote Judge Reyes in her opinion.

The legal battle intensified after government workers cut down at least 430 trees over a holiday weekend with little warning, according to court documents and news reports.

The DC Preservation League and two local golfers challenged the administration in court, arguing that the project threatens local history and failed to follow environmental regulations.

Justice Department lawyers previously asked the court to disregard public statements made by the president regarding the timeline of the renovation, according to Reuters.

The administration also attempted to have Reyes removed from the case by accusing her of improper behavior during hearings, but the judge rejected that request.

"We are grateful the court intervened to stop the Trump-Vance administration's greed and lawlessness while the case continues, and we are eager to argue the case in court," said Skye Perryman, the president of Democracy Forward.

Trump criticized the ruling on social media and announced that the Department of the Interior would appeal the decision.

"The judge has absolutely no right to hold up this very important and beautiful Project," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president insisted that the site will close for construction as scheduled on November 15, while the broader legal battle over the redevelopment continues.

"The Court still does not speak for the trees," Reyes wrote, referencing the Dr. Seuss book The Lorax. "It speaks only for the rule of law."

It remains unresolved whether the administration can legally proceed with the overhaul or if the injunction will become permanent as the litigation moves forward.