Trump Administration Seeks Judge's Recusal in Golf Case

The Trump administration filed a motion Friday seeking removal of U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes from a lawsuit over renovation plans for East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., managed by the National Park Service. At a Monday hearing, Reyes said she was "furious" that 169 trees were cut on October 10 without court notice and that "the government can't be trusted." She entered a temporary restraining order on October 13, 2026, barring further tree felling. Reyes, appointed by Joe Biden, had earlier declined preliminary relief, saying she did not want to be "the overseer of Parks and Rec." The administration's lawyer called her conduct "nothing short of egregious" and alleged "deep-seated and unequivocal antipathy toward the Trump Administration," saying she cannot maintain the appearance of impartiality. The filing criticized orders for senior Interior Department officials to face further questioning and cited her past comment that the administration was "literally erasing transgender people." In a separate 44-page opposition to an injunction, the government said Reyes overstepped, argued the plaintiffs lack standing, and said the tree removal is not part of the renovation proposal. Officials say nearly 730 trees may need clearing for work they call routine maintenance. The suit was brought by a preservationist group and two local golfers.