Federal judge admonishes Trump administration over East Potomac Park tree removal

A federal judge scolded Trump administration lawyers on Monday for failing to provide sufficient notice before cutting down hundreds of trees in East Potomac Park over the weekend, saying she was “beyond disappointed” with the government’s conduct. 

“I trusted you all not to do precisely what you have done,” U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said during an emergency hearing, adding that the government had lost “all of its credibility” in the case.  

Reyes is overseeing a lawsuit brought by the D.C. Preservation League and two individuals seeking to block an overhaul of the public golf courses on the property, which President Trump has said he wants converted into a championship-caliber course capable of hosting professional tournaments.  

East Potomac Park is home to three golf courses, including an 18-hole public facility that offers affordable rates and serves tens of thousands of players every week. It is also a popular biking, running and picnicking location for many district locals and tourists each year.  

The property for the last several years has been operated........

© The Hill