Judge rebukes Trump administration over tree removals at golf course
Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 12 Oct, 17:44 · Archive
A federal judge criticised the Trump administration for insufficient notice before removing hundreds of trees from a historic Washington golf course.
The Trump administration has begun removing trees from East Potomac Golf Links, a historic public golf course near the National Mall in Washington, as part of a plan to renovate it into a championship-level venue. The National Park Service announced plans to remove more than 500 trees on Friday night, with 169 trees slated for removal starting Saturday and another 90 later. According to court filings, the trees being removed do not contribute to the historic landscape. The park service stated that no healthy trees contributing to the historical golf course, including historic cherry trees, will be removed.
A federal judge strongly criticised the administration's approach during an emergency hearing on Monday. District Judge Ana C. Reyes expressed anger at government attorneys for failing to alert the court and preservation groups before the removals began, with more than 400 trees already felled over the weekend. Workers were seen removing mature oak and maple trees. The judge questioned whether the government had intentionally withheld notice and said the removals had cost the administration credibility in the case.
Preservationists have expressed concerns that the planned changes risk altering the character of the course, which has served Washingtonians of all income levels for over a century. The Department of Interior stated the removals were implementing a seven-year-old plan to address tree overgrowth at the course.
How it is being reported
- Judge chastises DOJ lawyers after 430 trees cut down at D.C. golf courseGovernment lawyers said 430 trees were cut down at East Potomac Golf Links on Saturday.CBS News · 12 Oct, 20:08
- Trump's DC golf course makeover hit with major setback by irate judge after secret tree clearingA Joe Biden-appointed federal judge tore into the Trump administration's efforts to 'beautify' the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, DC, starting with secretive tree removals.Daily Mail · 12 Oct, 17:30
- Trump hits a new roadblock in latest DC makeover project after judge steps inHundreds of trees were knocked down at East Potomac Golf Links in latest attempt to remake DC with ‘pet vanity projects,’ preservationists sayIndependent World · 12 Oct, 14:43
- Park service could remove more than 500 trees at historic golf course Trump wants to redesignTrump administration proceeds with a plan to renovate the East Potomac Golf Links into a championship-level courseIndependent World · 10 Oct, 20:43
In this story: East Potomac Golf Links · Washington, D.C. · Donald Trump · Ana C. Reyes · National Park Service · Department of Interior
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