Judge Halts Work at Historic DC Golf Course, Scolds Trump Administration
A federal judge issued a 24-hour work stoppage order at the East Potomac Golf Course and expressed frustration with the administration's actions.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered a 24-hour halt to tree-cutting activities at the historic East Potomac Golf Course in Washington D.C., following a contentious hearing where she criticized the Trump administration for its conduct. The temporary order, issued Monday, could be extended to 14 days as the court seeks further clarification.
Reyes expressed her displeasure, stating, "I am thoroughly unamused right now." She indicated that the government had not been transparent regarding the urgency of the tree-cutting, which occurred over a holiday weekend with limited notification to the plaintiffs involved in a lawsuit challenging renovation plans for the course.
The judge highlighted a perceived erosion of trust between the judiciary and the executive branch, noting a pattern of the administration proceeding with projects despite ongoing legal scrutiny. Reyes specifically questioned the chain of command and timeline for the decision to proceed with the tree removal.
She requested the presence of Greg Wischer, deputy chief of staff at the Interior Department, for a subsequent hearing on Tuesday. Wischer was identified as a key figure who pushed for the work to be conducted urgently. Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service, testified that the work was part of a broader 2025 initiative to enhance safety and aesthetics in Washington D.C.
Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, referenced a 2019 National Park Service Cultural Landscape Report as the basis for the work. Lands acknowledged that while other city golf courses were mentioned in the report, no discussions regarding work at those locations had taken place. The judge has stated her intent to hold another hearing on Tuesday to gather more information.