Tree-cutting freeze extended as judge halts Trump golf course renovation during court challenge
Renovation work remains blocked
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction on Monday, extending her order against work at the East Potomac Golf Course. The order prevents the administration from cutting trees or carrying out other renovation work.
Reyes had previously directed the administration to suspend the project until at least Oct. 26. The 106-year-old course was scheduled to close for 15 months starting Nov. 15 under plans Trump announced on social media.
Plans drew a court challenge
Trump announced the redevelopment on Oct. 18, then posted the following day that work would begin immediately. The D.C. Preservation League and two golfers had already filed a court challenge.
Dispute over judge’s role
The administration asked Reyes to recuse herself, questioning her impartiality and accusing her of inappropriate conduct during an emergency hearing. Reyes rejected the request. The golf course renovation is part of Trump’s broader effort to leave his mark on Washington’s historic landscape. His other plans include a White House ballroom, a large arch and adding his name to the Kennedy Center.
Key points
- Judge Ana Reyes extended the block on renovation work at East Potomac Golf Course.
- The 106-year-old course was scheduled to close for 15 months starting Nov. 15.
- The plaintiffs say the work is causing irreversible damage; workers cut down at least 400 trees.
- Reyes rejected the administration’s request that she recuse herself.