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Judge rebukes Justice Department over 430 trees felled at D.C. golf course

Judge Ana Reyes criticized the government's conduct and extended an order halting further tree removal until Tuesday.

Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 10:13 UTC7 reports

The short version

  • A federal judge rebuked Justice Department lawyers after 430 trees were cut at East Potomac Golf Links.[CBS News]
  • Judge Ana Reyes called the government's actions inexcusable and said it had lost credibility.[NBC News · CBS News]
  • Government lawyers say the cutting implements a 2019 Cultural Landscape Report under a tree management project.[NBC News · CBS News]
  • Reyes extended a block on further tree removal until 2 p.m. Tuesday, and plaintiffs allege the plan violates NEPA.[CBS News]

Key facts

  • Judge Ana Reyes rebuked Justice Department lawyers after 430 trees were cut at East Potomac Golf Links over the weekend.[NBC News · CBS News]
  • Reyes extended a temporary order blocking the National Park Service from cutting additional trees until 2 p.m. Tuesday.[CBS News]
  • Reyes said the government's actions were inexcusable and that the government had lost credibility.[NBC News · CBS News]
  • A Justice Department lawyer said the government gave notice in a court filing shortly before 5 p.m. Friday.[NBC News · CBS News]
  • Government lawyers described the removals as a tree management and cultural landscape rehabilitation project based on a 2019 Cultural Landscape Report.[NBC News · CBS News]
  • Frank Lands testified that he was directed to begin executing the tree-removal plan by Greg Wischer, deputy chief of staff to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.[NBC News]
  • Plaintiffs, including the D.C. Preservation League, argue that the implementation of the plan violates the National Environmental Policy Act.[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • Tree counts conflict: 430 trees were reported felled, while plaintiffs' lawyers said 529 were cut on Saturday alone.[CBS News]
  • Reyes is still considering next steps, and the temporary order runs only until 2 p.m. Tuesday.[CBS News]
  • The government's account that the removals implement a 2019 report is its own position, and plaintiffs' claim that the plan violates NEPA remains unresolved.[NBC News · CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.