Donald Trump lashed out at U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes after she halted further tree removal connected to his planned renovation of Washington, D.C.’s East Potomac Golf Links. The president criticized Reyes in an early-morning Truth Social post and insisted that the Interior Department had the authority to move forward with the project.
The dispute came as the administration faced another federal court hearing over work at the 106-year-old public golf course.
Judge Ana Reyes pauses work on East Potomac Golf Links as the administration faces another hearing
Trump called Reyes a “crazed lunatic” while defending the planned renovation.
“The United States Department of Interior wants to take a terrible and very unsafe golf course, and make it into a great, safe, and prestigious golf course,” Trump wrote. He argued that the department had “an absolute right” to carry out the project.
Trump also claimed that the people challenging the project lacked standing. He said work should begin and predicted that the finished course would bring income and prestige to Washington.
The legal battle continued after Reyes previously directed the administration to provide notice before carrying out major work at the site. The National Park Service later removed hundreds of trees, prompting Reyes to halt further tree removal temporarily.
As per Daily Beast, Reyes criticized the administration during a hearing after the tree removal.
“I do not know how I could have made it any plainer. I did not want what happened to happen,” she said. Reyes added that the situation had “cost the government all of its credibility.”
The D.C. Preservation League and two golfers challenged the planned construction. Reyes then ordered senior officials from the Interior Department and National Park Service to appear at another hearing.
Justice Department attorneys also sought Reyes’ removal from the case, accusing her of bias.
The judge was set to consider whether to impose additional restrictions that could further affect the renovation plans.
Meanwhile, Trump announced that the golf course would close on November 15 for the planned renovation. He said officials expected to complete the project within about 15 months.
