A Temporary Halt at East Potomac
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered a 24-hour halt to tree cutting at the historic East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C. The course is part of President Donald Trump’s plans to remake the city. Reyes issued the temporary order after a tense three-hour hearing and said it could be extended to 14 days if necessary. The government is now trying to locate a key Trump administration official who can explain why major work took place over a holiday weekend with little notice to the plaintiffs or the court.
REYES is yelling now. “Ignorance is not an excuse” she tells DOJ after they say they weren’t aware of the details of the tree-cutting plan, despite having an inkling.
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) October 12, 2026
The Trees Were Already Gone
The confrontation centered on more than 400 trees removed from the golf course over the weekend. Reyes said administration lawyers had previously told her they would alert the court before taking “irreversible” actions at the site. She said the weekend work cost the government all of its credibility and accused officials of deceiving her through their actions. During the hearing, Department of Justice lawyers said they were not aware of the details of the tree-cutting plan, even though they had some knowledge that work was being considered. Reyes responded with a blunt warning: “Ignorance is not an excuse!” Her opening statement lasted about 15 minutes and sharply criticized the government’s approach.
Miller Defends the Project
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, pushed back against the judge’s criticism. Miller questioned why federal judges should be in charge of golf course maintenance and said the Left was angry that the Trump administration was making Washington safer, cleaner, and more beautiful after years of decay. That argument puts the political divide in plain view. Reyes focused on court notice and the government’s promises, while Miller focused on the condition of the city and the administration’s stated goal of improving it. The tree-cutting dispute has become part of Washington’s larger fight over who gets to direct major changes at the golf course.
What Happens During the Pause
For now, the order applies to tree cutting for 24 hours. The court could extend that pause to 14 days while the administration provides more information and the lawsuit moves forward. The plaintiffs are seeking to stop the renovation plans, and Reyes had previously declined repeated motions to halt the work because she was concerned the administration might move ahead despite court actions. Monday’s hearing showed that concern has become central to the case. This is not a final ruling on the entire project, but it is a clear temporary brake tied to the court’s demand for better notice before irreversible work takes place.
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REYES is yelling now. "Ignorance is not an excuse" she tells DOJ after they say they weren't aware of the details of the tree-cutting plan, despite having an inkling.
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) October 12, 2026
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