By October 13, 2026, a federal judge issued a temporary order stopping the Trump administration from cutting more trees at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. This decision follows the removal of many trees over the weekend. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered that no additional trees be cut until October 26. She mandated that the Trump administration notify the court and plaintiffs three business days in advance before making any major changes to the course.
The judge’s decision aims to protect the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers who argued that they would face harm without intervention. They are opposing President Trump’s plan for major changes to East Potomac Golf Links. During a recent hearing, Judge Reyes criticized the Justice Department. She learned that the National Park Service’s project involved removing 529 trees, as part of a management and rehabilitation plan.
The D.C. Preservation League informed the court that 529 trees, including healthy, mature oaks and maples, were cut on a single Saturday. The planned removals were delayed by rain, otherwise many more trees would have been removed. Marissa Piropato, a Justice Department lawyer, confirmed 430 trees were cut, with another 99 targeted for removal.
For months, Judge Reyes insisted that the government provide prior notice for any planned construction or similar activities at East Potomac, allowing her to review and potentially issue orders. The Justice Department’s delayed filing about the planned tree removals drew criticism from Reyes, who accused them of failing to notify both the court and plaintiffs adequately.
Reyes demanded testimony from Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, and Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service, to clarify who authorized the weekend tree removal. Reyes also scheduled a hearing for October 19, requiring Jessica Bowron, acting director of the National Park Service, and Gregory Wischer, deputy chief of staff at the Interior Department, to appear.