Judge overseeing Trump golf course renovation receives threats over tree removal

Federal Judge Cites Dr. Seuss During Tree Dispute Over Trump Golf Course Renovation

A federal judge overseeing litigation about President Donald Trump's plans to renovate a Washington, DC public golf course revealed she has received threats over the removal of trees at the site, declaring during a hearing that she does not "speak for the trees".

Judge Faces Backlash Over Tree Removal

US District Judge Ana Reyes told the court that she has faced anger and threats related to the controversy, including from one person who said he would remove her if she didn't "save the trees". "I do not speak for the trees, I am not the Lorax," she said, referencing the Dr. Seuss character while echoing the book's cadence, adding, "I am a judge".

Reyes noted the irony that during America's 250th birthday year, "a president chopping down cherry trees" has become a court matter, alluding to the apocryphal story about President George Washington. "People are pretty upset," she observed.

Tree Removal Dispute Resolved

The discussion about tree removal at East Potomac Golf Course dominated the proceeding, which was scheduled as a status conference about the case timeline. Department of Justice lawyers revealed that approximately 150 trees, 77 invasive and 77 dead, dying or hazardous, were removed from the park, which contains around 3,800 trees total.

The tree removal, which began in late August, had sparked weeks of concern, anger and speculation among locals and activists. Before the hearing, Trump's opponents submitted court declarations questioning whether the removed trees were actually rotting or dangerous to golf course players. However, during the proceeding, the plaintiffs backed down, saying they didn't have reason to question the government's rationale.

The Department of Interior explained that "trees throughout the park are regularly monitored for potential safety impacts to visitors, and when a tree is determined to be dying, declining or hazardous our arborists may make the decision to remove it".

Legal Challenge Continues

The DC Preservation League and two local golfers are pressing Reyes to issue an order blocking the Trump administration from proceeding with the renovation plan. Reyes, appointed by former President Joe Biden, has previously declined to halt work on the course because she was unconvinced any laws had been broken.

Over the summer, she instructed both sides to reach an agreement requiring the Trump administration to report new golf course activity to the court while initial litigation stages play out. The judge expressed satisfaction with the government's updates but voiced sympathy for preservation concerns that the administration could take irreversible action without warning. "What I don't want is to be here with a fait accompli," Reyes said.

Rather than ruling on the administration's dismissal request, Reyes is allowing legal challengers to amend their lawsuit to account for recent Supreme Court rulings favoring the administration in cases about White House East Wing ballroom construction and an executive order on mail voting. She indicated willingness to decide quickly on whatever motion to dismiss the government files next.

Ambitious Renovation Timeline

Trump, an avid golfer, first publicly proposed the idea in May to take over and expand the municipal golf course located on a 300-acre manmade peninsula just south of the National Mall. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum unveiled a rendering from Fazio Design, a consultancy owned by golf architect Tom Fazio, who designed Trump's Bedminster course and three other Trump properties.

The updated plans appear more expansive, with a nearly complete takeover of the peninsula. A playground, recreational area and a 9-hole course often used by novice players have been eliminated in favor of a single 18-hole course. Trump called the existing course "dilapidated, worn out, and very dangerous and outdated" after visiting in June with Burgum and Fazio.

Speaking to Golf.com, Fazio said Trump's ambition is to upgrade the links to "literally a national monument" capable of hosting a national golf championship. "The president happens to be a guy of action," Fazio said, adding that Trump "wants to get this thing done so people can enjoy it, play it, and not one of these '10 years down the road and drag it out forever' things". The goal is for the course to be ready for play by summer 2028, before Trump leaves office.

The administration has not yet submitted plans to the National Capitol Planning Commission and the US Commission of Fine Arts, the two federal agencies that review and approve major changes on federal property in Washington.