A federal judge on Monday blocked further tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., and ordered testimony from National Park Service officials after 430 trees were cut down over the weekend despite a prior court order requiring advance notice of construction activities.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes held a nearly four-hour hearing and extended a temporary order blocking additional tree removals, including routine maintenance, until 2 p.m. Tuesday. Reyes also ordered Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, and Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service, to testify under oath about the tree removal.
During the hearing, Reyes chastised Justice Department lawyers for their handling of the situation, stating that the government had ‘lost all credibility’ after failing to notify a preservationist group that filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s overhaul of the historic golf course. The judge described the abrupt removal of trees as ‘inexcusable’ and questioned the government’s motives, asking, ‘On what universe did anyone in your office think this was acceptable?’
Government’s Rationale vs. Legal Obligations
Justice Department lawyer Marissa Piropato told the court that government attorneys had attempted to gather details on the tree removal to include in a court filing. However, Reyes rejected this explanation, stating, ‘You did not do your best. You did your absolute worst.’ The Justice Department had previously been ordered in May to provide three days’ notice of any substantive construction work at the golf course, a requirement the government failed to meet.
A filing submitted Friday evening by the government claimed the tree removal was part of a ‘tree management and cultural landscape rehabilitation’ initiative. The National Park Service had notified the court that work would begin Saturday, but Reyes ruled this notification was insufficient given the prior court order.
Background: Legal Battle Over East Potomac Golf Links
East Potomac Golf Links is a century-old public golf course owned by the federal government and managed by the National Park Service. The DC Preservation League filed a lawsuit in February 2026 alleging that the Trump administration’s planned overhaul of the course violated environmental laws and ignored preservation requirements.
President Donald Trump, who has frequently golfed and owns several courses, has advocated for renovations to allow the facility to host major tournaments. Critics, including preservation groups, argue the project prioritizes commercial interests over historical and environmental protections.
Judge’s Next Steps
Reyes extended a temporary restraining order blocking additional tree removals and demanded three days’ notice for any future actions at the golf course. The judge also indicated she would consider further legal measures as the case proceeds. The hearing underscored tensions between the administration’s development goals and legal obligations to notify opposing parties and the court of planned actions.