Judge Ana Reyes challenges tree removal
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned federal officials after hundreds of trees were removed from East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., on October 10, 2026. Officials initially reported approximately 430 removals, but WUSA9 subsequently reported that a government email put the total at about 529.
During an October 12 hearing, Reyes criticized Justice Department lawyers over inadequate advance notice. She temporarily stopped further cutting and warned that violations of her order could trigger contempt proceedings.
Later reporting puts tree removals at about 529
Justice Department attorney Marissa Ann Piropato initially told the court that approximately 430 trees had been removed from East Potomac Golf Links on October 10, 2026. WUSA9 subsequently reported that a government email put the number at about 529.
Additional trees remained targeted for removal when the court intervened. Judge Ana Reyes temporarily stopped further cutting while examining the government’s actions.
National Park Service files late notice
The National Park Service provided notice of planned tree removal on Friday, October 9, 2026, shortly before the Columbus Day holiday weekend. According to CBS News, the government submitted its notification shortly before 5 p.m.
Tree removal began the following Saturday, leaving limited time for opponents to seek judicial intervention. The D.C. Preservation League filed an emergency request on Sunday, October 11, prompting a federal court hearing the next day.
Judge Reyes revisits earlier instructions
Judge Ana Reyes had previously emphasized advance notice before permanent changes to East Potomac Golf Links. During a May 2026 hearing, she raised concerns about removing even 10 trees without notifying the court and plaintiffs.
The October clearing involved approximately 430 trees, substantially more than the number discussed in May. Reyes questioned the government’s interpretation of her earlier instructions and criticized Justice Department attorneys for their handling of the notification.
Judge Reyes warns of contempt proceedings
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes warned that violating her temporary order could trigger contempt proceedings after hundreds of trees were removed from East Potomac Golf Links. She delivered the warning during an emergency hearing on October 12, 2026.
Reyes had previously instructed federal officials to provide advance notice before making significant changes to the course. However, those earlier instructions had not been incorporated into a formal written order, and the judge had not issued a contempt finding.
Court stops further tree removal
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes temporarily halted further tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links on October 12, 2026. The following day, the court extended the restriction through October 26 while reviewing the government’s actions.
The temporary order prevented additional cutting during that period as the court examined the circumstances surrounding the operation. The restriction addressed further tree removal rather than permanently deciding whether the proposed golf course redevelopment could proceed.
Court requires 3 business days of notice
Judge Ana Reyes required federal officials to provide 3 business days of written advance notice before making certain irreversible changes to permanent features at East Potomac Golf Links. The requirement appeared in her October 13, 2026, order.
The government must notify both the court and the plaintiffs challenging the redevelopment. This requirement allows the parties to respond before significant changes occur and establishes a formal notification procedure while the federal lawsuit continues.
Fun fact: By 1931, East Potomac offered 1 18-hole golf course, 2 9-hole courses, a putting green and a miniature golf course.
National Park Service cites a 2019 report
National Park Service officials cited a 2019 Cultural Landscape Report to explain the October 2026 tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links. Officials described the work as an effort to restore the historic landscape of the Washington, D.C., course.
The administration maintained that the clearing was separate from President Donald Trump’s proposed redesign. However, National Park Service Superintendent Kevin Griess testified that the trees removed on October 10 had not been identified as hazardous or posing a safety risk.
Judge Reyes questions removal timing
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned the urgency of removing hundreds of trees at East Potomac Golf Links in October 2026. Federal officials had relied on an earlier landscape report to explain the timing and purpose of the work.
During the October 19 hearing, Reyes challenged the government’s explanation for proceeding so quickly. Administration officials maintained that the clearing followed an existing landscape plan, while the judge questioned whether the operation was connected to Trump’s proposed redevelopment.
Federal officials testify about tree clearing
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned senior federal officials about the removal of hundreds of trees at East Potomac Golf Links. The October 19, 2026, hearing examined how the clearing plan developed and why the work proceeded quickly.
Acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron and Interior Department Deputy Chief of Staff Gregory Wischer testified about the operation. Both officials acknowledged learning about the 2019 Cultural Landscape Report in September 2026, shortly before the October clearing.
Preservation group challenges redevelopment
The D.C. Preservation League and 2 local golfers filed a federal lawsuit in February 2026 challenging the proposed redevelopment of East Potomac Golf Links. The plaintiffs raised concerns about historic preservation and continued public recreation.
Their legal challenge involves requirements under the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The plaintiffs argue that major changes require appropriate federal review, while the administration maintains that the redevelopment proposal has not received final approval.
Trump announces a 15 month closure
President Donald Trump announced on October 18, 2026, that East Potomac Golf Links would close on November 15 for approximately 15 months. The next day, he said renovation work would begin immediately.
Government lawyers nevertheless told the court that the redevelopment plan was not final. Acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron testified that she first learned of the announced closure from Trump’s post.
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East Potomac awaits further court decisions
East Potomac Golf Links remained subject to temporary court restrictions as of October 20, 2026. Judge Ana Reyes had prohibited further tree removal through October 26 while considering requests for additional safeguards against irreversible changes.
The October 19 hearing ended without a final ruling on the broader redevelopment dispute. The court continued examining the government’s plans, the legal requirements governing changes to the property, and whether further restrictions were necessary during the lawsuit.
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Do you think the tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links was justified? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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