Donald Trump has encountered another legal obstacle in his plans to renovate Washington, D.C.’s historic East Potomac Golf Course. A federal judge has extended restrictions on the administration’s proposed changes as a lawsuit over the project continues.
Judge extends restrictions on Donald Trump’s East Potomac Golf Course renovation
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes extended an order restricting renovation work at East Potomac Golf Course, according to a Reuters report. Her decision bars the government from removing or damaging additional trees. Officials must also provide at least ten business days’ written notice before making irreversible changes to the property.
The ruling followed the removal of more than 400 trees from the historic golf course. Reyes previously described the tree removal as “inexcusable.” The case centers on environmental protections and historic preservation concerns surrounding the administration’s renovation plans. The D.C. Preservation League filed the lawsuit in February to challenge the project.
“The court still does not speak for the trees,” Reyes wrote in her order. She added that the court “speaks only for the rule of law.” Her remarks emphasized the legal issues surrounding the administration’s renovation plans.
Trump responded to the latest ruling by announcing plans to appeal. He also said the government would close the course on November 15 as scheduled. His administration intends to renovate and rebuild the property despite the ongoing legal dispute.
Reyes previously criticized Justice Department lawyers over their handling of the case. She said the government had asked her to disregard Trump’s public statements about the renovation. The judge also highlighted inconsistencies between the president’s remarks and sworn testimony from government employees.
“Rarely, if ever, has the United States Department of Justice urged a federal court not to believe the sitting president,” Reyes stated. She also observed that the dispute had grown beyond its original focus on golf. The case now requires the court to consider Trump’s statements alongside testimony from federal officials.
The extended restrictions prevent the administration from removing additional trees and require advance notice before irreversible changes. The court has not issued a final ruling on the lawsuit’s underlying claims. Meanwhile, the East Potomac Golf Course renovation remains at the center of an ongoing legal battle.
