Judge blocks Trump admin. from felling trees at DC golf course: news

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Cutting Down Trees at D.C. Golf Course

A federal judge has issued an emergency order blocking the Trump administration and the National Park Service from cutting down trees at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes extended a restraining order barring any further tree removal through at least late October, following an abrupt operation over the weekend where crews reportedly cut down more than 500 mature trees in a single day. Preservationist and environmental groups filed for emergency injunctive relief to halt the administration’s plan to redesign the historic public course into a championship-caliber facility.

During court proceedings, Judge Reyes reprimanded administration officials and Justice Department lawyers, stating that proceeding with mass tree removal violated prior assurances that major renovations would pause until pending legal challenges were heard. The temporary injunction freezes all landscaping and demolition activities at the East Potomac site while the court reviews compliance with federal environmental review and historic preservation laws.