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Judge Halts Tree Removal at East Potomac Golf Course

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

District Judge Ana Reyes issued an injunction halting tree removal at East Potomac Golf Course on Oct 27, 2026.
Reyes criticized the Justice Department for urging the court to ignore President Donald Trump’s renovation statements, noting the rarity.
The D.C. Preservation League and two golfers sued, alleging the project was segmented to evade NEPA review.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he will appeal the injunction, calling it unconstitutional.

History

In 1971 the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision authored by Justice Thurgood Marshall, held that Secretary of Transportation John A. Volpe had violated the National Environmental Policy Act by segmenting the Interstate 40 plan through Overton Park, establishing the “hard-look” review standard. On Oct 27 2026 Judge Ana Reyes cited that precedent to block President Donald Trump’s East Potomac Golf Course renovation.

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In 1971 the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision authored by Justice Thurgood Marshall, held that Secretary of Transportation John A. Volpe had violated the National Environmental Policy Act by segmenting the Interstate 40 plan through Overton Park, establishing the “hard-look” review standard. On Oct 27 2026 Judge Ana Reyes cited that precedent to block President Donald Trump’s East Potomac Golf Course renovation.

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