Federal Judge Halts Tree Removal at East Potomac Golf Links Amid Renovation Dispute

The National Park Service began removing trees at the historic East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., on October 10, 2026. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes ordered a temporary freeze on any further removal until 7 a.m. on October 13, 2026, and required NPS superintendent Kevin Griess to testify about the timing and authorization of the work.

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President Donald Trump announced a plan to remodel the course into a “championship-level” facility, to be led by architect Tom Fazio and intended for major tournaments. Preservation groups have sued, arguing the project violates the 1897 congressional act that created the park. The tree-cutting operation is the latest flashpoint in the broader legal battle over the course’s future.

Park service could remove more than 500 trees at historic golf course Trump wants to redesign

• Trees slated for removal: up to 529 (NPS estimate)

CNN

• Trees actually cut on Oct 10: 169 (initial phase)

New York Times

• Additional planned cuts: 90 later in the project, plus an undisclosed number identified later by the Park Service inventory.

USA Today

• Cost estimate for the redesign: $20 million–$49 million (preliminary scope).

CNN

• “The planned tree management and cultural landscape rehabilitation project is not a renovation or redesign of the Golf Course… and would be carried out irrespective of any future renovation,” — Kevin Griess, superintendent.

CNN

• Judge Reyes rebuked the administration for failing to provide notice, stating, “I trusted you all not to do precisely what you have done.”

Newsweek

• Local Residents: John, a frequent golfer, called the sight “very sad.”

CNN

• Washington Area Bicyclists Association: Advocacy director Kalli Krumpos warned, “We think there needs to be public involvement. We want transparency. We want accountability.”

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• October 10, 2026: NPS begins tree removal, cutting 169 trees.

CNN

• October 13, 2026 (scheduled): Judge Reyes’ order halts any further removal until this time and mandates Griess’s testimony.

Newsweek

• “It was determined that, on this fantastic site, with water and unparalleled views of D.C.’s Monuments, we will build one of the Greatest Golf Courses anywhere in the World,” — Donald Trump

USA Today

• “In total, the N.P.S. estimates that up to 529 trees that do not contribute to the historic landscape will be removed as part of this tree management and cultural landscape rehabilitation project,” — Kevin Griess

New York Times

• “I trusted you all not to do precisely what you have done,” — Ana C. Reyes

Newsweek

Judge Reyes has ordered a pause on tree removal until at least October 13, 2026, and will hear testimony from Griess regarding the authorization and timing of the operation. The court’s subsequent rulings will determine whether additional tree work can proceed and how it may affect the pending lawsuit over the golf-course redesign.

Newsweek