A court fight over a historic Washington park has taken an alarming turn, while the planned redesign could reshape public recreation on the Potomac.
Federal Judge Ana Reyes said she had received threats over the cutting down of trees in Washington, D.C. The work is being carried out as part of Donald Trump’s administration’s plan to renovate the East Potomac municipal golf course to championship standards.
According to CNN
During the hearing, it emerged that about 150 trees had already been cut down on the grounds. Of these, 77 were invasive species, while another 77 were dead, diseased, or posed a danger to visitors. The park is home to approximately 3,800 trees in total.
People are extremely angry. I was even threatened: one person said they would eliminate me if I didn’t save the trees.
– Ana Reyes
The judge also noted wryly that, on the eve of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the court was hearing a case involving a president cutting down cherry trees. She was alluding to the famous, albeit apocryphal, story about George Washington.
I don’t speak for the trees; I’m not the Lorax. I’m a judge.
– Ana Reyes
Court’s ruling on the golf course renovation
Before the hearing, representatives of the plaintiffs questioned the government’s explanations regarding the condition of the trees. They suggested that the trees might not have been rotten or dangerous. However, during the hearing, they acknowledged that they had no grounds to dispute the administration’s stated reasons for cutting them down.
Ana Reyes said she was generally satisfied with the way the administration was keeping the court informed about the progress of the work. She therefore did not require the government to provide its opponents with additional notice of every stage of the planning process. At the same time, the judge emphasized that she did not want irreversible actions to be taken without prior notice.
I don’t want to find myself here facing a fait accompli.
– Ana Reyes
The lawsuit was filed with the support of the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers. They are seeking to bar Donald Trump’s administration from continuing to implement the project.
Earlier, the judge, who was appointed by Joe Biden, declined to halt the work because she found no convincing evidence of a violation of the law. The U.S. administration also asked the court to dismiss the case. Instead, the court allowed the plaintiffs to update their complaint in light of recent Supreme Court rulings. After that, Reyes said she was prepared to promptly consider a new motion from the government.
What the East Potomac renovation will look like
Donald Trump first publicly proposed rebuilding the course in May. The complex is located on an approximately 300-acre artificial peninsula south of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It currently has two nine-hole courses and one 18-hole course.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said that after the renovation, East Potomac would match the quality of well-known public courses such as Bethpage Black and Torrey Pines. At the same time, the complex is planned to remain accessible to local residents at reduced prices.
Under the revised plan, nearly the entire peninsula would be occupied by a single 18-hole course. As a result, the complex could lose its children’s playground, recreational area, and nine-hole course, which is often used by beginners.
Project designer Tom Fazio said the goal of the renovation was to turn East Potomac into a nationally significant venue capable of hosting major golf tournaments.
The renovated course is expected to be ready for play in the summer of 2028. However, the U.S. administration has not yet submitted the project for review by the two key federal agencies that approve major changes on government land in Washington, D.C.