Judge Halts Work on Trump's DC Golf Course Renovation

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes has ordered a halt to tree-cutting at the East Potomac Golf Course until Oct. 26, pausing work on a renovation project championed by President Donald Trump. The order came after Reyes criticized the government for its actions over a holiday weekend.

Reyes had previously issued a 24-hour pause on Monday, which could have been extended to 14 days. She mandated that the government provide three business days' written notice before making any "irreparable modification to any permanent form or feature" of the golf course. The DC Preservation League and two local golfers are plaintiffs in the lawsuit seeking to halt the renovation plans.

The judge's order on Tuesday followed a hearing where she expressed frustration that the government had deceived her. The National Park Service ordered the cutting of hundreds of trees at the course after providing court notification minutes before the close of business on Oct. 9, a holiday weekend. At least 400 trees were cut, with plans for hundreds more.

Reyes stated that the government officials appeared to rush the tree management plan "because President Trump demands haste on his redesign, and not because of some newfound zeal to implement a small part" of a 2019 National Park Service report. The report had suggested work was needed at the district's public golf courses.

The East Potomac Golf Course caught Trump's attention, and he has expressed a desire to transform it into a world-class venue capable of hosting major golf tournaments. This project is part of his broader vision for Washington, D.C., which includes other developments like a $400 million White House ballroom and a planned triumphal arch.

Democracy Forward, co-counsel for the plaintiffs, commended the court's intervention, calling the administration's actions a "mad rush" to convert the public space into a high-end golf course. The group expressed pleasure that the court intervened to prevent further work while they seek more lasting relief.

The golf course has been the subject of multiple emergency hearings. In a previous instance in May, Reyes declined to issue temporary stop orders, trusting the government's attorney. However, she noted at Monday's hearing, "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. What has happened has cost the government all credibility with me."