A federal judge on Monday pressed the Trump administration over its plan to shut down and renovate East Potomac Park next month, despite a prior court order barring any work at the site while a lawsuit proceeds. The exchange came as President Trump escalated his attacks on the presiding judge, calling her “insane” on social media over the weekend.
During a hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes repeatedly questioned Interior Department officials about their knowledge of the redevelopment timeline, which includes a complete overhaul of the East Potomac Golf Links and removal of miles of walking and biking trails on the island. “There is no universe in which all of this just coincidentally happened at the same time,” Reyes said, according to court observers.
The lawsuit, filed by the D.C. Preservation League and individual golfers, challenges the administration's plan as unlawful, arguing it violates federal regulations governing changes to national park lands. The plaintiffs contend the project would destroy a historic landscape and eliminate a rare affordable golfing option for beginners and juniors.
Trump, in a Truth Social post just before Monday's hearing, asserted that his administration does not need court approval to proceed. He described the current course conditions as “dangerous” and claimed the redevelopment would inject millions of dollars into the local economy. The plan calls for an 18-hole championship-level facility designed by architect Tom Fazio, capable of hosting professional tournaments.
Judge Reyes had previously scolded government lawyers for conducting massive tree removal and excavation at the Haines Point site without what she deemed proper public notice. On Monday, she pressed Gregory Wischer, the deputy chief of staff for the Interior Department, who testified that he learned of the “tree management plan” on Oct. 5, part of a broader D.C. beautification initiative.
The administration's legal team has also moved for Reyes to recuse herself from the case, citing her alleged bias. The judge did not immediately rule on that motion, but her questioning suggested skepticism about the government's compliance with the court's earlier order.
East Potomac Park is used daily by thousands of golfers, joggers, and cyclists. The Trump administration's plans have drawn sharp criticism from local preservationists and some lawmakers, who argue the project prioritizes private interests over public access. The political fallout could extend beyond the courtroom, as the issue touches on broader debates over federal land use and executive authority.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how courts handle similar disputes over presidential projects on public lands. The judge's insistence on probing the administration's timeline suggests she is scrutinizing whether the government acted in bad faith.
The park's closure is scheduled for Nov. 15, when the current golf courses would shut down. A ruling on the preliminary injunction is expected in the coming days, but the administration's defiance of the court's earlier order raises questions about enforcement.
As the legal battle continues, the administration's approach to federal lands has drawn increasing scrutiny. The East Potomac case is one of several where Trump has sought to fast-track development projects on public property, often bypassing traditional environmental reviews.
For now, the fate of the park hangs in the balance, with the judge's next move likely to determine whether the administration can proceed or must wait for the lawsuit to run its course.
