‘You did your absolute worst’: Work on Trump’s D.C. muni enrages judge

A federal judge sharply criticized the Trump administration on Monday after the Department of the Interior removed 430 trees from East Potomac Golf Links over the weekend. Judge Reyes reprimanded Justice Department lawyer Marissa Piropato during a tense hearing, stating the government disregarded a court order requiring advance notice before felling trees. Reyes subsequently ordered a temporary halt to any additional tree removal on the Washington, D.C., municipal golf course.

The government stated the tree removal was intended to restore Walter Travis's 1920s design and improve safety. However, the plaintiff, the DC Preservation League, questioned the timing amid President Donald Trump's overhaul plans designed by Tom Fazio. NPS officials testified that Interior Department policy official Greg Wischer directed the removal, and he is expected to testify.