Key facts
- Judge extended order blocking Trump's golf course renovation plans.
- Judge cited environmental and historic preservation concerns.
- Hundreds of trees were removed from the course prior to the judge's order.
- Government must provide 10 business days' written notice before irreparable modifications.
US District Judge Ana Reyes extended a court order blocking President Donald Trump's plans to renovate the East Potomac Park golf course, a project at the center of a lawsuit over environmental and historic preservation concerns. Reyes stated that the removal of hundreds of trees from the course the prior weekend was "inexcusable." Her order bars the government from removing or damaging additional trees and requires 10 business days' written advance notice before any "irreparable modification" at the park, pending the suit's outcome. Reyes previously faulted the conduct of Justice Department lawyers in the case. The DC Preservation League sued in February, arguing the takeover would violate environmental laws and "irreparably destroy a priceless piece of American history."