Federal judge extends freeze on Trump's renovations at public golf course in Washington

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, issued a preliminary injunction barring the Trump administration from removing or damaging more trees at East Potomac Golf Course, a century-old public course in Washington, D.C., and requiring written notice before any irreparable modification while the case proceeds. Trump announced Oct. 18 a 15-month closure starting Nov. 15 and posted Oct. 19 that work would begin immediately. The D.C. Preservation League and two golfers sued under the National Environmental Policy Act. Hundreds of trees were cut over the Columbus Day weekend after late-Friday notice; Reyes had already suspended work until at least Oct. 26 and rejected a recusal request. Reyes wrote the dispute forces the court to reconcile Trump's assertions with sworn testimony of government employees and DOJ attorneys, and that rarely if ever has DOJ urged a court not to believe the sitting president. Trump called the ruling unconstitutional, said the administration will appeal and still close the course Nov. 15, and argued the project is totally as of right and notice demands are unconstitutional. Skye Perryman, for the plaintiffs, called the ruling a big win protecting the park from further irreparable harm. Outlets cite tree totals above 400, at least 430, or over 500 per Reyes, and notice of 10 days or 10 business days. An appeal is planned as litigation continues.