A federal judge sharply criticized the Biden administration on Monday for proceeding with the removal of hundreds of trees at Washington, D.C.’s East Potomac Golf Links over the weekend, despite her prior orders to refrain from making irreversible changes without notifying the court. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes temporarily barred any further tree cutting and warned that she would initiate contempt proceedings for any future violations.
The controversy centers on President Donald Trump’s plan to redevelop the historic public golf course, which has operated for over a century offering affordable access near the nation’s monuments. Trump has characterized the facility as dilapidated and proposed an extensive renovation aiming to attract major tournaments. Although the administration previously indicated construction would begin in September, court filings submitted last weekend stated the project remains in an “early and conceptual stage.”
According to court testimony, workers began removing trees on Saturday morning, well before the court was formally notified late Friday of the tree-cutting activity. Judge Reyes, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, expressed strong displeasure during the hearing and questioned whether she had been misled by government attorneys. “What has happened has cost the government all of its credibility,” she said, adding that she had extended “every single benefit of the doubt” prior to the removals.
Justice Department attorney Marissa Piropato defended the tree removal, characterizing it as part of a routine maintenance plan unrelated to the golf course redevelopment. “This is not a renovation, your honor,” she asserted during the three-hour session. However, Judge Reyes remained skeptical and demanded sworn testimony from three Interior Department officials regarding their plans to remove the trees days before the court was informed.
The legal challenge was initiated earlier this year by the DC Preservation League, which claims the project raises environmental and administrative concerns that exceed presidential authority. The administration maintains it is acting within legal bounds and that the lawsuit is premature.
Judge Reyes has previously warned the administration to keep the court apprised of any significant actions related to the project, emphasizing the risk that rapid progress could outpace judicial review. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between federal agencies and the judiciary over oversight of swift executive projects in the capital.