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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Judge Issues Order to Stop Tree Removal at Historic Washington Golf Course
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from removing additional trees at East Potomac Golf Links, a historic public recreation space in Washington, D.C. This action followed the recent felling of hundreds of trees at the course, drawing legal complaints and public concern regarding environmental protection and preservation of public lands.
Details of the Federal Judge's Order
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a brief order barring the Department of the Interior and National Park Service from cutting down any further trees at East Potomac Golf Course until at least October 26. Additionally, the Trump administration must provide the court and plaintiffs—comprising the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers—with three business days' notice before making any "irreparable modification to any permanent form or feature" at the course.
Legal Challenge and Plaintiffs' Concerns
The legal challenge, spearheaded by the D.C. Preservation League and two area golfers, contests President Trump’s proposed overhaul of the historic golf course. The plaintiffs argue that the administration's plans for the East Potomac Golf Course risk converting a valued public recreation space into a high-end facility, potentially causing lasting harm to the area’s natural environment and public character.
“The administration has time and again tried to avoid the law in their mad rush toward converting a public recreation space to a high-end golf course and today's order will stop them from doing further irreparable harm to a precious public resource,” attorneys for the D.C. Preservation League and the residents stated in response to the judge’s order. The plaintiffs expressed satisfaction that the court’s intervention will prevent additional work as they pursue further legal relief.
Extent of Tree Felling and Government Response
The dispute escalated after the National Park Service initiated a "tree management and cultural landscape rehabilitation project” at the East Potomac facility. According to a filing by the D.C. Preservation League, crews cut down an estimated 529 trees in a single day on Saturday, October 10, including many healthy, mature oaks and maples. The filing also warned that hundreds more were marked for imminent removal, but rain temporarily halted the work.
During court proceedings, Justice Department lawyer Marissa Piropato reported that 430 trees had been felled in total, with an additional 99 identified for future removal. The plaintiffs and presiding judge raised concerns over the quick pace of the operation and potential harm to the golf course's landscape and ecology.
Criticism of Government Communication and Next Steps
Judge Reyes sharply criticized the Justice Department for failing to properly notify the court and the plaintiffs about the massive tree removal project. Despite previous directives to provide advance notice of any significant actions at East Potomac, the Justice Department did not file a notice about the plan until late Friday, shortly before the weekend activity began.
“You did not do your best. You did your absolute worst,” Judge Reyes told Piropato, expressing dissatisfaction with how the department handled communication. Reyes added that the legal team “lost credibility” as a result.
The judge has ordered further testimony from National Park Service officials and scheduled another 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 before the court. The hearings aim to clarify the decision-making process that led to the large-scale tree cutting and to determine accountability.
Ongoing Tree Cutting Moratorium and Future Legal Proceedings
The judge's temporary order effectively establishes a two-week tree cutting moratorium at the East Potomac Golf Course, maintaining the status quo while the legal challenge proceeds. As the case moves forward, it will address broader questions about the stewardship of public recreation spaces, the process for environmental modifications, and the transparency of government actions in high-profile redevelopment projects.
Source: cbsnews.com.
