# Judge furious over Trump's D.C. muni tree removal

> Judge condemns Trump administration for removing 430 trees from historic East Potomac Golf Links without proper notice.
- Title: Judge furious over Trump's D.C. muni tree removal · Golf
- Summary: Judge condemns Trump administration for removing 430 trees from historic East Potomac Golf Links without proper notice. A judge halted tree removal at East…
- Keywords: east potomac golf links, trump administration, dc preservation league, department of interior, walter travis, tom fazio, national parks service, national links trust, frank lands, greg wischer, doug burgrum, sports
- Source: Golf — https://golf.com/news/judge-enraged-by-trump-dc-muni
- Published: 2026-10-12T16:52:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: east potomac golf links, trump administration, dc preservation league, department of interior, walter travis, tom fazio, national parks service, national links trust, frank lands, greg wischer, doug burgrum, sports
## Judge condemns tree removal
A judge furious about Trump administration cutting 430 trees from East Potomac Golf Links without court notice.

> You did your absolute worst
## Court order ignored
The government submitted tree removal plans hours before court hearing began, violating a previous order requiring advance notice.
## Tree removal goal
The government claims tree removal improves safety and restores Walter Travis’s 1920s design intent, which was mostly treeless.
## Design controversy
Tom Fazio’s renovation plans differ significantly from Walter Travis’s original 1920s design, with preservationists calling it a rip and run.

> This was a rip and run
## Lease termination
The Trump administration terminated the National Links Trust’s 50-year lease in December citing unpaid payments and lack of capital improvements.
## Renovation plans
The administration reversed course in May to partner with National Links Trust for immediate renovations while returning stewardship of other courses.
## Preservationist reaction
The DC Preservation League argues tree removal conflicts with the government’s stated goal of preserving historic character consistent with original design.
## Next steps
The court ordered a 24-hour halt to tree removal with potential extension to 14 days if necessary.
## Who ordered trees cut?
Kevin Griess, National Mall and Memorial Parks superintendent, said tree removal was ordered by Frank Lands, National Park Service deputy director.
## Key takeaway

A judge halted tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links after the Trump administration violated court orders by cutting 430 trees without advance notice.