# Judge Criticizes Trump DOJ for Tree Removal

> Judge rebukes Trump DOJ for cutting trees without notice at East Potomac Golf Links.
- Title: Judge Criticizes Trump DOJ for Tree Removal · HuffPost
- Summary: Judge rebukes Trump DOJ for cutting trees without notice at East Potomac Golf Links. Judge Ana Reyes ordered a pause on tree removal at East Potomac Golf…
- Keywords: judge ana reyes, doj, east potomac golf links, national park service, preservation league, trump, temporary restraining order, news, politics, Judge, Criticizes, Tree
- Source: HuffPost — https://huffpost.com/entry/judge-rips-trump-doj-hearing-absolute-worst_n_6acd0b15e4b0c090ec091987
- Published: 2026-10-12T18:19:32+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: judge ana reyes, doj, east potomac golf links, national park service, preservation league, trump, temporary restraining order, news, politics
## Judge Ana Reyes rebukes DOJ
Judge Ana Reyes ordered a temporary pause on tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links after DOJ failed to notify preservationists of weekend cuts.

> You did not do your best. You did your absolute worst.
## DOJ tree removal plan
DOJ attorneys admitted learning of tree removal plans on Wednesday, October 7, and only discovered Saturday's work the next day.
## Preservation League lawsuit
The D.C. Preservation League filed a February lawsuit claiming Trump's plan violated environmental laws to destroy a historic golf course.
## Tree removal timeline
The government removed 529 trees on Saturday, October 8, 2026, without advance notice to preservationists.
## Key takeaway

Judge Ana Reyes ordered a pause on tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links after DOJ failed to notify preservationists of weekend cuts.