A U.S. federal judge has extended an order halting additional tree cutting or destruction at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., part of a golf course renovation project requested by President Donald Trump, after over 500 trees were found felled amid environmental and historic preservation disputes.
Judge Ana Reyes of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., has ordered the U.S. government to stop cutting or damaging any more trees within East Potomac Golf Course. She also mandated that the government provide written notice at least 10 business days in advance before undertaking any action that could cause irreversible changes to the East Potomac Park area while the case is pending.
This order came after the government proceeded with demolition and tree cutting to prepare for golf course renovations despite a lawsuit seeking to halt the project. The judge noted the government cut several hundred trees without proper advance notification, even though they were aware of the schedule at least one week prior. She further noted that the felled trees were healthy and posed no danger.
Previously, Judge Reyes criticized the government's actions as unacceptable after more than 400–500 trees were cut over the Columbus Day weekend, viewing the government's conduct as lacking good faith.
The dispute intensified after Trump posted on Truth Social on 18 Oct that U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, along with architects, had developed plans to upgrade the golf course to world-class standards for championship play, stating work would begin 15 Nov. This contradicted prior statements by Justice Department lawyers to the court that no such renovation plans existed.
The following day, Trump posted again, declaring work would start immediately and stating workers did not need construction approval. He also called Judge Reyes "deranged."
Judge Reyes stated in her order that it is nearly unprecedented for the U.S. Justice Department to ask a federal court not to believe the sworn statements of a sitting president, but that is the situation in this case. The court must consider the conflict between Trump's statements and sworn testimony from multiple government officials, as well as arguments from senior Justice Department lawyers.
The judge also referenced Dr. Seuss's book The Lorax, which advocates protecting trees, noting that while the court does not speak for the trees, it does serve to uphold the rule of law.
East Potomac Golf Course is a public course open since 1920 with affordable rates accessible to the general public. Renovating it to host major tournaments has drawn opposition from local golfers concerned about changes to this community-important space.
Earlier, the DC Preservation League filed suit in February to oppose the takeover and renovation, arguing the project may violate environmental laws and irreparably damage a historic U.S. site.
Sky Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs, welcomed the court order, calling it a major victory to protect East Potomac Park from further irreparable harm, and affirmed the plaintiffs’ commitment to continue fighting in court.
This case is part of broader disputes over Trump's plans to alter several historic sites in Washington, which face scrutiny on legal compliance, environmental, and heritage preservation grounds.