Federal judge halts East Potomac tree removal, says government lost credibility

The short version

• A federal judge temporarily ordered the Interior Department to stop cutting trees at the East Potomac Golf Course.[The Washington Sun]
• Government lawyers said about 430 trees have been cut, while a preservation group's filing cites 529 destroyed Saturday.[The Washington Sun]
• Judge Ana C. Reyes said the government had lost all of its credibility in the case.[The Washington Sun]
• The D.C. Preservation League sought emergency relief, while a government declaration says the trees were part of an older rehabilitation project.[The Washington Sun]

Key facts

• On Monday, a federal judge temporarily halted tree removal at the East Potomac Golf Course.[The Washington Sun]
• Judge Ana C. Reyes said the incident cost the government all of its credibility in the case.[The Washington Sun]
• Government lawyers said Monday that about 430 trees had been cut at the golf course.[The Washington Sun]
• The D.C. Preservation League sought an emergency order Sunday, saying hundreds of trees had been felled.[The Washington Sun]
• A preservation group's filing says the Trump administration reported that 529 trees were destroyed Saturday.[The Washington Sun]
• Kevin Griess, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks, said in a Friday declaration that the trees were being removed under an older rehabilitation project.[The Washington Sun]

Sources

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

• Judge Says the Government Lost ‘Its Credibility’ by Cutting Down East Potomac TreesThe Washington Sun
• Judge halts tree removal at Washington golf course Trump eyes for expansionThe Guardian - US