DOJ Official Disputes Testimony Before Judge in Trump Golf Course Dispute

A contentious hearing unfolded in Washington, D.C., as lawyers for the Trump administration faced questioning from D.C. District Judge Ana Reyes regarding the removal of over 500 trees from East Potomac Golf Course. Judge Reyes has demanded answers about whether she was deliberately misled regarding the tree removal, which occurred over Columbus Day weekend, despite her request for advance notice given ongoing litigation brought by the D.C. Preservation League over President Trump’s plans to redevelop the course. The government has justified the tree removal by citing a 2019 Cultural Landscape Report identifying dead, dying, and hazardous trees, but Judge Reyes expressed concern over a potential “strong showing of bad faith,” especially given Trump’s recent social media posts announcing renovations set to begin November 15. The hearing was marked by a clash between Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward and Judge Reyes after Woodward attempted to prevent Justice Department attorneys on the case from answering Reyes’ questions about his legal briefs; Reyes ordered Woodward to submit a brief explaining the rationale by 3 p.m. Monday. Interior Department official Gregory Wischer maintained the tree removal was solely for “cleaning up the course” and unrelated to the planned redesign, a claim repeatedly challenged by attorney Abbe Lowell. Trump attacked Reyes on social media prior to the hearing.

The New York Times reported the Justice Department clashed with Judge Reyes over testimony regarding the decision-making process surrounding the golf course.

What is not yet known

• Whether the November 15 renovation start date will hold, given Judge Reyes’ current block on major construction.
• The specific legal rationale behind Associate Attorney General Woodward’s instruction to attorneys not to answer Judge Reyes’ questions.

Background

• The East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C. is undergoing planned renovations initiated by the Trump administration [Fact Refinery, 2026-07-03].
• Judge Ana Reyes has repeatedly requested assurances from the Trump administration regarding the project’s adherence to historical preservation standards [Fact Refinery, 2026-07-03].
• The administration awarded contracts for environmental and historic preservation work, and a larger construction contract is anticipated [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-17].
• Over 500 trees were removed from the course over Columbus Day weekend, prompting concern from Judge Reyes due to a lack of prior notice while litigation was ongoing [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-18].
• President Trump announced a 15-month closure for renovations, despite a court order pausing the project [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-18].

Our reading

Our reading is that a significant conflict is unfolding between the Trump administration and Judge Reyes regarding the East Potomac Golf Course renovation. The administration appears to be proceeding with its plans despite legal challenges and court orders, while Judge Reyes is demonstrating a willingness to actively scrutinize the administration’s actions and demand transparency. The dispute over Associate Attorney General Woodward’s instructions to DOJ attorneys suggests an attempt to shield information from the court, further escalating the tension.

What to watch

• The brief explaining Associate Attorney General Woodward’s rationale for instructing attorneys, due Monday at 3 p.m., to understand the administration’s strategy [as reported in the article].
• Whether the November 15 renovation start date is upheld, indicating the administration’s willingness to comply with the court’s restrictions [as noted in “What is not yet known”].
• Judge Reyes’ response to the submitted brief and any further rulings regarding the project’s legality or scope [D.C. District Court records].

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