Judge orders Trump administration to answer for tree removals at DC golf course

DOJ attorney Marissa Ann Piropato admitted in court that 430 trees were cleared over the weekend at East Potomac Golf Course. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes held a nearly four-hour hearing Monday, October 12, 2026, after notice at 4:55 p.m. Friday and National Park Service cutting that began Saturday. The D.C. Preservation League, suing over Trump's plan for a championship-level course, sought a temporary restraining order Sunday. Reyes extended a TRO barring further activity until at least Tuesday afternoon, ordered NPS Deputy Director Frank Lands and other witnesses to appear under oath, and set a hearing for Interior appointee Greg Wischer. Reyes told Piropato the government did its absolute worst on notice and said she was beyond disappointed, arguing Occam's razor pointed to intentional delay to clear hundreds of trees. Piropato said the government did its best providing notice. The government said the removals were part of a 2019 plan for dead, dying and hazardous trees. Reyes said she had warned in May she did not want 10 trees cut without notice. Trump toured the course in June 2026 with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Peter Fazio and Gavin Fazio. Who gave the Saturday orders remained for Tuesday.