Judge Scolds Trump Administration Lawyers Over Deforestation at D.C. Golf Course

A federal judge on Monday forcefully reprimanded attorneys for the Trump administration after hundreds of trees were cut down at a public golf course in Washington, D.C., over the Columbus Day weekend. U.S. District of Columbia Judge Ana Reyes expressed profound disappointment and anger, stating she was "just beyond disappointed in the government."

During an hours-long hearing, Reyes pressed for answers regarding who within the administration ordered the removal of 430 trees at the East Potomac Golf Course. "On what universe did anyone in your office think that that was acceptable?" Reyes asked government lawyers, who acknowledged the extensive tree removal. She noted that the National Park Service began cutting trees on Saturday, the day after the government had notified plaintiffs in the case. The D.C. Preservation League, a plaintiff challenging the renovation of the golf course, filed for a temporary restraining order on Sunday.

Marissa Ann Piropato, a Justice Department attorney, admitted that 430 trees were cleared over the weekend. Reyes responded with alarm, "430 trees!" She recalled a previous hearing where she had cautioned against "10 trees chopped down without someone having notice" and questioned the government's actions. "Your Honor, we did our best in providing notice," Piropato responded. Reyes interrupted, "You did not do your best! You did your absolute worst!"

The government's plan to cut down trees was presented as part of a 2019 initiative to remove dead, dying, and hazardous trees around the golf course. However, Reyes appeared skeptical of the timing and the lack of sufficient notice provided to plaintiffs, suggesting potential misrepresentations to the court. "The questions go to whether or not I've been lied to," Reyes stated, adding, "I am beyond disappointed in the government right now. I wanted you all to be better than you have been."

Reyes had previously warned Justice Department lawyers of "serious consequences" if the administration undertook significant work at the course without court approval and advance notification. She extended a temporary restraining order barring further activity at the golf course until at least Tuesday afternoon.

The judge also scheduled another hearing for Tuesday, demanding that government witnesses explain the urgency behind the tree removal and when the decision was first identified. Among those summoned was Greg Wischer, a political appointee at the Interior Department involved in the Trump administration's D.C. beautification projects. Reyes stated her regret for not having already issued a contempt order, given the circumstances.

President Donald Trump has championed the renovation of the East Potomac Golf Course, envisioning it as "one of the Greatest Golf Courses anywhere in the World" through a public-private partnership. He toured the site in June with golf course architects and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, describing the existing course as "dilapidated, worn out, and very dangerous and outdated."