District Judge Ana Reyes issued the order on Monday, directing the government to stop removing or damaging additional trees at the public golf course while a lawsuit challenging the project proceeds.
The ruling also requires the defendants to provide at least 10 business days’ written notice before making any irreversible modifications to features of East Potomac Park, where the golf course is located.
Reyes said the government had removed hundreds of trees without adequate notice, despite knowing at least a week in advance that the trees were scheduled to be cut. She described the trees as healthy and posing no safety hazards.
Trump Vows to Appeal Ruling
Trump, an avid golfer who owns golf courses around the world, has pushed for East Potomac Golf Links to be transformed into a facility capable of hosting major championship-level events.
The public course is known for its relatively affordable rates and has operated for about a century. The renovation plan has faced opposition from local golfers and environmental advocates concerned about the loss of trees and changes to the park.
Despite the legal challenge, preparatory work for the project had continued. Trump said earlier in October that construction was expected to begin in November, with the course scheduled to close for renovation on November 15.
Reacting to Reyes’ ruling, Trump said the closure would proceed as planned and vowed to appeal the decision.
“The judge has absolutely no right to hold up this very important and beautiful Project,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
More Than 500 Trees Already Felled
In her 70-page order, Reyes said more than 500 trees had already been cut down at the golf course.
The judge also referenced The Lorax, the Dr. Seuss book about environmental destruction, writing that the court “does not speak for the trees.”
“It speaks only for the rule of law,” she added.
The order prevents further tree removal or damage while the litigation remains pending. The dispute raises questions about environmental protection, public access to parkland and the legal requirements governing changes to public spaces in the US capital.
