A federal judge on Monday sharply rebuked Trump administration lawyers for failing to give adequate notice before contractors removed hundreds of trees from East Potomac Park over the weekend, saying the government had squandered its credibility in a closely watched legal battle.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, during an emergency hearing, said she was “beyond disappointed” with the administration’s conduct, adding, “I trusted you all not to do precisely what you have done.” The judge, who was appointed by former President Biden, later said she was “furious” about the episode.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by the DC Preservation League and two individuals seeking to block a major overhaul of the public golf courses at East Potomac Park. President Trump has pushed to transform the facility into a championship-caliber course capable of hosting professional tournaments, a plan that has drawn fierce opposition from local community groups and preservationists.
East Potomac Park, located along the Potomac River, features three golf courses, including an 18-hole public layout that attracts tens of thousands of players each week. It is also a popular destination for biking, running, and picnicking, and its future has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over the administration’s use of public land.
According to court filings, workers removed roughly 430 trees on Saturday as part of what officials described as an effort to restore the course to its historic design, based on a 2019 report. The DC Preservation League sought an emergency temporary restraining order on Sunday, citing “irreversible damage” to the golf course.
Reyes, who had previously ordered the National Park Service to provide notice before cutting down more than 10 trees or performing other maintenance, said the administration gave only 12 hours’ notice before Saturday’s work. She barred further work at the site until at least 7 a.m. EDT Tuesday and warned of serious consequences for any violation.
During the hearing, Kevin Griess, the superintendent for National Mall and Memorial Parks under NPS, testified under oath that he was not informed of the decision to proceed with tree removal until Oct. 8. Justice Department lawyer Marissa Piropato argued there was “no conscious decision” to withhold information, saying the department was waiting for more details before filing. Reyes rejected that explanation outright: “None of that is an excuse.”
The dispute is part of a larger pattern of tensions over the Trump administration’s redevelopment of federal property in the capital, including the construction of a ballroom at the White House and controversial plans for a massive arch across the Potomac River in Arlington. Community activists have accused the administration of illegally repurposing public land for the president’s personal interests.
The judge’s rebuke comes amid broader scrutiny of the administration’s handling of public spaces and its willingness to bypass established procedures. As the legal fight continues, the future of East Potomac Park’s trees and golf courses remains uncertain, with the preservation league vowing to press its case.
