Judge blocks Trump administration from cutting trees at D.C. golf course

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 07:44 · Archive

A federal judge has prohibited the Trump administration from removing trees at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., while a lawsuit challenging renovation plans proceeds. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a 70-page preliminary injunction on Monday, barring the government from 'removing or damaging' any trees on the course and requiring ten days' notice before any irreparable modifications.

The Trump administration had removed hundreds of trees from the site despite earlier assurances it would provide advance notice during litigation. Plaintiffs argue that the administration has attempted to circumvent federal environmental law by dividing the larger redevelopment into smaller projects. They also contend that the proposed renovations would transform an affordable public golf course into an exclusive facility for wealthy golfers.

President Trump called the ruling 'unconstitutional' on Truth Social and said his administration would seek appeal and move forward with closing the course on 15 November. He argued the project is 'totally as of right' and questioned whether a judge without expertise in golf, architecture and landscaping should have authority over the matter. The DC Preservation League and two local residents filed the lawsuit in February and have asked the court to intervene a dozen times.

How it is being reported

• Judge halts Trump's makeover of historic DC golf course after 400 trees cut downA federal judge has agreed to extend an order blocking the Trump administration’s renovation plans for a century-old public golf course in the nation’s capitalIndependent World · 27 Oct, 07:38
• Court prohibits Trump from cutting down more trees at East Potomac Golf CourseA federal judge has temporarily prohibited the Trump administration from cutting down additional trees at the historic East Potomac ParkUPI · 27 Oct, 07:23
• Judge continues to block Trump from cutting down trees at D.C. golf course"The Court earlier stated, 'I am not the Lorax. I do not speak for the trees,'" U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes wrote. "The Court still does not speak for the trees. It speaks only for the rule of law."CBS News · 27 Oct, 02:34

In this story: Trump · Ana Reyes · East Potomac Golf Course · Washington, D.C. · DC Preservation League

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