The removal is part of a Trump administration project to convert the site into a 1920s style links course, involving a total plan to fell 729 trees, of which 430 have already been toppled. Judge Reyes stated the government had lost all credibility after authorization for the work was sent on Oct. 6, yet the court and plaintiffs were not notified until Oct. 9. Witness Kevin Greiss, an NPS supervisor, testified that the trees removed were not hazardous and that 20 to 40 personnel were reassigned from other D.C. projects to execute the work.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Story
Judge Summons Interior Official Who Ordered DC Tree Removal on Oct 5
US Politics9 days ago
National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands told a federal court on Monday that the Department of Interior's deputy chief of staff commanded the clearing of hundreds of trees at East Potomac Golf Links on Oct. 5. Judge Ana Reyes subsequently ordered that official to testify in the emergency hearing after the governoment's initial claims regarding its knowledge of the removals were contradicted by testimony. The court has halted all further work at the site until at least 7 a.m. Tuesday, with Reyes warning that any violation will lead to contempt proceedings.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.