Judge Ana Reyes Halts D.C. Golf Course Tree Removals for Two Weeks After Weekend Blitz

Key points

• Judge Ana Reyes issued a two-week injunction on October 13, 2026, preventing further tree removals at East Potomac Golf Links until October 26.
• The National Park Service felled approximately 430 to 529 trees over the Columbus Day weekend, including healthy mature oaks and maples, despite a 2019 plan for routine maintenance.
• Justice Department attorney Marissa Piropato admitted that notice of the removals was provided to the court at 4:55 p.m. on Friday, just before the weekend work began.
• Reyes ordered Kevin Griess, Frank Lands, Jessica Bowron, and Gregory Wischer to testify on October 19 regarding the authorization and timing of the tree removals.
• The D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers are challenging the administration’s plan to convert the public course into a high-end championship venue.

Background

Litigation over the East Potomac Golf Links has been ongoing since 2026, with earlier disputes involving the removal of approximately 150 trees in September 2026. Judge Reyes had previously warned of 'serious consequences' if the administration began major work without advance notice. The current dispute escalates tensions between the Trump administration’s beautification and development goals and preservationist efforts to protect the historic public recreation space.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and ABC News both report on Judge Reyes’s anger and the issuance of the two-week injunction. However, ABC News provides additional detail on the judge’s specific remarks, including her statement that the government 'did their absolute worst' in providing notice and her concern about potential contempt. ABC News also highlights the government’s claim that the removals were part of a 2019 plan to remove dead or hazardous trees, while CBS News emphasizes the plaintiffs’ argument that the removals were a precursor to the high-end golf course conversion. Both sources agree on the core facts of the injunction and the number of trees felled, but ABC News offers more insight into the judge’s emotional response and the legal implications of the government’s actions.

Why it matters

The case highlights the tension between federal development projects and environmental preservation, as well as the role of the judiciary in holding the executive branch accountable. The judge’s demand for testimony and the potential for contempt proceedings could set a precedent for how the government must handle court orders and public resources. The outcome may influence future disputes over public lands and the balance between development and preservation.

What to watch

A hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2026, where Reyes will question senior Interior Department and National Park Service officials about the authorization and timing of the tree removals. The judge has also requested written briefs from both the D.C. Preservation League and the government on whether to grant a more extensive preliminary injunction. The administration must provide three business days' notice before any further 'irreparable modification' to the course through October 26.