Despite the court’s decision, Trump has not withdrawn his plans for the golf course (AP photos)
A US federal judge on Monday stopped President Donald Trump’s administration from cutting down more trees at a historic Washington golf course, where at least 400 trees have already been removed as part of a planned renovation, news agencies reported. In the order, US District Judge Ana Reyes also directed the government to give 10 business days’ written notice before carrying out any other work that could permanently change the site. The decision comes as Trump prepares to close the 106-year-old East Potomac Golf Course for redevelopment, despite an ongoing legal challenge.
The judge had earlier ordered a temporary halt to the project until at least October 26.
The dispute has grown since workers removed hundreds of trees over a holiday weekend, with little warning to the people challenging the project, according to the Associated Press. The DC Preservation League and two golfers took the administration to court, arguing that its plans could damage an important part of Washington’s history. They also question whether the government had followed environmental laws while preparing the site for renovation. Those announcements came while the court was already considering whether the government should be allowed to continue work at the site. Her latest decision keeps restrictions in place while the lawsuit continues. In February, the DC Preservation League filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s plans, raising concerns about environmental protection and the preservation of the historic property.
The disagreement over East Potomac Golf Course began months before the trees were cut.
But the removal of at least 400 trees changed the situation.
During an earlier hearing, Reyes strongly criticised the administration and described what had happened as “inexcusable”. For much of the case, Reyes had allowed the legal proceedings to continue without stopping the government’s activities. She later explained that she had preferred the two sides to resolve their differences without additional court intervention. The work was carried out despite assurances that the government would not take such action.
