WASHINGTON – U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes has put a temporary halt to tree-cutting activities at the historic East Potomac Golf Course, extending the pause until October 26. This decision comes as part of ongoing legal disputes regarding renovation plans that have drawn attention due to their association with former President Donald Trump.
Judge Reyes issued her order following a tense three-hour hearing where she expressed significant frustration at the government’s actions during the previous holiday weekend. The judge accused officials of misleading the court regarding the urgency of the tree-cutting initiative.
During the hearing, Reyes mandated a temporary 24-hour pause on the cutting, which could be extended to a maximum of 14 days if necessary. The government was required to locate a key Trump administration official to clarify the rationale behind the expedited tree removal, which had occurred with minimal notification to plaintiffs involved in the ongoing lawsuit.
As part of her ruling, Reyes instructed that the government must provide three business days’ written notice to the court and plaintiffs before making any significant alterations to the East Potomac Golf Course.
The lawsuit has been brought forward by the DC Preservation League, along with two local golfers, who are challenging the plans for the golf course. Co-counsel for the plaintiffs, Democracy Forward, expressed gratitude towards Judge Reyes for intervening, stating that the court’s actions were crucial in preventing further alterations to the public recreation space during this ongoing legal battle.
The controversy surrounding the course intensified after the National Park Service ordered the cutting of hundreds of trees, filing the court notice just minutes before the close of business on October 9—a holiday weekend—leaving plaintiffs with little time to respond. Reports indicate that at least 400 trees were removed over the weekend, with plans for additional cuts.
The East Potomac Golf Course has attracted attention from Trump, who envisions transforming it into a premier golf venue. This proposal is part of a broader set of development projects in Washington, D.C., which includes a $400 million renovation of the White House ballroom and plans for a grand triumphal arch. Trump’s interest in the public courses was first noted in late 2025.
Trump has publicly stated that upon completion, the revamped golf course will be capable of hosting prestigious tournaments such as The U.S. Open, The Ryder Cup, and The PGA Championship, which he announced via social media in June.
This case has been the subject of several emergency hearings, with concerns raised by the plaintiffs regarding potential actions by the administration despite the ongoing legal proceedings. During a previous hearing in May, Reyes refrained from issuing stop orders, placing her trust in the government’s attorney. However, she has since expressed a loss of confidence in the government’s credibility.
“Every single time I have given the government the benefit of the doubt, and every single time I made absolutely clear that I want notice,” Reyes remarked. “What has happened has cost the government all credibility with me.”
