Trump, the Judge and the East Potomac Trees
Over the Columbus Day weekend of Oct. 10, 2026, the National Park Service cut down more than 400 trees at East Potomac Golf Links, the century-old public course in Washington that President Trump wants rebuilt as a championship venue. The government had notified the court late on Friday that it planned to remove up to 529 trees in phases; by the time U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes — hearing a suit by the D.C. Preservation League — convened an emergency hearing on Oct. 12, at least 430 were down. Reyes said the episode "cost the government all of its credibility with me," barred further tree removal through at least Oct. 26, and ordered Interior officials to testify. The Park Service later disclosed that about 729 trees were targeted; it says the work restores the course's historic links character and is separate from Trump's plans. Stephen Miller mocked the judge on X, saying a federal judge had "no jurisdiction whatsoever" over the course. On Friday, Oct. 16, the Justice Department asked Reyes to step aside, citing "egregious" conduct at the hearing, and told the court Trump had given the redesign "at most" "preliminary thought." Two days later, on Oct. 18, Trump posted that the course would close on Nov. 15 for about 15 months to be rebuilt to a Tom Fazio design able to host the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup — a plan that would eliminate Ohio Drive, picnic areas, bike paths and a cherry grove. Rep. Don Beyer called it "a disgrace." Reyes denied the recusal motion, writing that "it is easy to weaponize selective quotations," and early on Oct. 19 Trump called her "a crazed lunatic" and said work would begin "IMMEDIATELY."
“[On Truth Social just after 6 a.m., after Judge Reyes denied the administration's motion to remove her from the case:] They have an absolute right to do so. It's as simple as that! … [Describing Reyes, without naming her, as] a crazed lunatic whose courthouse tapes will reveal, may be insane? The tapes have been blocked from usage by the judge. … The random golfer bringing the ridiculous lawsuit has ZERO STANDING! … Work is scheduled to begin IMMEDIATELY!”