US judge extends block on Trump’s East Potomac Golf Course renovations

A U.S. District Judge has extended a preliminary injunction that bars the Trump administration from further work on the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C.

Judge Ana Reyes ordered that no additional trees may be removed or damaged and that the government must give ten days’ written notice before any “irreparable modification” to the course’s forms or features while the lawsuit remains active.

The injunction follows a challenge by the D.C. Preservation League and two golfers, who argue the renovation would cause irreversible damage. The plaintiffs point to the cutting of at least 400 trees over a holiday weekend with minimal notice.

President Donald J. Trump announced on 18 October that the 106‑year‑old public golf course would be closed for 15 months starting 15 November for redevelopment, and the administration sought to proceed despite the legal challenge.

Judge Reyes, appointed by President Joe Biden, previously ordered work to be suspended until at least 26 October and rejected the administration’s request that she recuse herself from the case.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Martin Magnemyr / Pexels.