President Donald Trump stated late Monday that he intends to push forward with comprehensive renovations at Washington, D.C.’s East Potomac Golf Links, despite a federal judge's ruling blocking further tree removal and mandating advance notice for irreversible alterations. Trump confirmed his administration will appeal the decision.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction on Monday prohibiting the Interior Department and the National Park Service from cutting down or damaging any additional trees at the widely used public facility.

Furthermore, the administration must now deliver written notification at least 10 business days prior to executing any irreparable modifications to the forms or features of East Potomac Park until the ongoing legal challenges reach a resolution.

In a comprehensive 70-page opinion supporting the decision, Judge Reyes observed that the Department of Justice previously urged the federal court to disbelieve the sitting president regarding his publicly announced overhaul plans.

While DOJ attorneys maintained that felling over 400 trees constituted routine maintenance to restore the historic layout, the judge highlighted the stark contrast with Trump's public declarations of constructing a world-class championship course designed by architect Tom Fazio.

Reyes additionally determined that the government likely breached the National Environmental Policy Act by improperly dividing the project into smaller segments, adopting a premature approach that bypassed proper environmental reviews.

The legal action originated in February through a lawsuit filed by the D.C. Preservation League alongside two local golfers, contending that the proposed overhaul would ruin the historic integrity of the public course while violating environmental and preservation statutes.

How Has Trump Responded To The Ruling?

Taking to social media shortly before midnight, Trump denounced the ruling as unconstitutional and announced that the Interior Department would challenge the decision. He insisted that the facility will still close on November 15 for safety, modernization, and aesthetic enhancements. Dismissing the judge's oversight as unnecessary and unconstitutional, Trump stated his intent to seek an immediate remedy from the D.C. Circuit Court.

Addressing the administration's arguments regarding presidential authority, Judge Reyes clarified that the injunction restricts federal agencies rather than the president directly, emphasizing that the separation of powers does not grant the executive branch unchecked authority.

What Had Trump Said About The Judge And The Golf Course Earlier?

In previous social media statements, Trump sharply criticized Judge Reyes—a Biden appointee—following an earlier temporary restraining order. He defended the Interior Department's authority to execute the project and later shared images highlighting property damage and debris at the site, which he dubbed Trash Island.