US Judge Halts Tree-Cutting at Washington Golf Course Linked to Trump Renovation Plan

A United States federal judge has ordered a halt to further tree-cutting at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, after more than 500 trees were reportedly felled as part of a renovation project backed by President Donald Trump.

District Judge Ana Reyes issued the order on Monday, barring the government and other defendants from removing or damaging additional trees at the public golf course while a lawsuit over the project continues.

The judge also directed the defendants to provide 10 business days’ written notice before making any irreversible changes to features of East Potomac Park, pending the outcome of the litigation.

In her 70-page ruling, Reyes criticised the removal of trees without adequate notice, stating that the government had felled hundreds of trees despite knowing about the scheduled operation at least a week beforehand.

She described the trees as healthy and nonhazardous.

The legal action was brought by an environmental group opposing the renovation, while local golfers have also expressed concerns about the project. They argue that the century-old public course offers an affordable opportunity to play golf in the capital.

Trump, an avid golfer who owns courses in several countries, has called for East Potomac Golf Links to be transformed into a facility capable of hosting major championship-calibre events.

The president had said construction on the 18-hole course would begin in November, with the facility scheduled to close for renovation on November 15.

Following the ruling, Trump said the closure would proceed as planned and pledged 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.

In her ruling, Reyes referenced The Lorax, the environmental-themed book by Dr Seuss, writing that the court “does not speak for the trees”.

“It speaks only for the rule of law,” she added.

The order temporarily restricts further tree removal and irreversible modifications while the court considers the legal challenge to the renovation project.