Judge questions link between tree cuts and Trump’s East Potomac golf redesign
During a Monday hearing, Judge Ana Reyes challenged the administration’s claim that mass tree removal at East Potomac Park was not tied to the proposed golf course overhaul.
By Felo News Desk · Published
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned the government’s assertion that recent tree clearing at East Potomac Park was unrelated to President Donald Trump’s plan to redevelop the historic golf course, during a hearing on Monday.
What happened
The hearing, held on Oct. 19, 2026, focused on the injunction the judge issued last week that pauses any redevelopment work until at least Oct. 26. The government had argued that the removal of more than 500 trees, including a batch of 169 trees on a Saturday followed by 90 later, was a separate activity from the proposed redesign.
What the reports add
- Both the Associated Press and The Independent reported that Judge Reyes said, “There is no universe in which all of this coincidentally happened all at the same time,” expressing deep skepticism about the claim that the tree cutting and the golf‑course plan were unconnected.
- The Independent noted that the judge declined a request from government attorneys to step down from the case just prior to Monday’s proceedings, after the Justice Department had characterized a recusal motion as “egregious.”
- The Associated Press highlighted that the administration’s timing of the tree removal over a holiday weekend, with minimal notice to the court or plaintiffs, was a point of contention.
What was said
“There is no universe in which all of this coincidentally happened all at the same time.” – U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, cited by both outlets.
President Trump called Judge Reyes a “crazed lunatic” in a Monday online statement, and wrote, “The United States Department of Interior wants to take a terrible and very unsafe golf course, and make it into a great, safe, and prestigious golf course. They have an absolute right to do so. It’s as simple as that!” – The Independent.
President Trump also posted on Truth Social that the 106‑year‑old course would close for 15 months starting Nov. 15, and followed up on Monday saying work would begin immediately.
How it came about
The dispute follows a series of actions by the Trump administration to transform the East Potomac Golf Links into a championship‑level venue. The National Park Service began removing more than 500 trees on Oct. 10, scheduling 169 trees for removal on a Saturday and 90 more later, as reported in Felo’s earlier coverage (National Park Service begins removal of 500 trees at East Potomac Golf Links). Trump announced the 15‑month closure on Oct. 18 (Trump announces 15‑month closure of East Potomac Golf Course despite judge’s halt), prompting the D.C. Preservation League and local golfers to sue, alleging the course is a public national‑park facility.
Key facts
- Judge Ana Reyes expressed skepticism that tree removals are unrelated to the golf‑course redesign (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The judge issued an injunction pausing redevelopment work until at least Oct. 26 (independent.co.uk)
- More than 500 trees were slated for removal at East Potomac Golf Links (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-10-10 — National Park Service begins removal of over 500 trees at East Potomac Golf Links
- 2026-10-18 — President Trump announces 15‑month closure of East Potomac Golf Course starting Nov. 15
- 2026-10-19 — Judge hears testimony and expresses skepticism about tree‑cut link to golf plan
