The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) told a federal judge that any weekend signs suggesting the East Potomac Golf Course was closed are not evidence that the Trump administration plans to press ahead with renovations regardless of court orders.
The statement came as part of a rapid response in a high‑stakes legal fight over the future of the course.
The exchange took place during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who was appointed by President Joe Biden.
Reyes ordered the DOJ to respond early Sunday night after the D.C. Preservation League filed an emergency motion to block what it called President Donald Trump’s “imminent takeover” of the golf course.
Judge Reyes Sets Swift Hearing
Highlighting how quickly the situation unfolded, Judge Reyes noted she wasn’t yet in judicial robes when the hearing began, injecting some levity with a Star Wars reference, saying, “May the 4th be with everybody.” The judge’s rapid mobilization signaled the urgency of the dispute.
The plaintiff — the D.C. Preservation League’s legal team — argued that actions by the Department of the Interior were not merely routine maintenance but the first steps in unlawful and massive renovations.
They insisted that any allowance would let the federal government “take a mile” if granted an inch, drawing a parallel to past controversies like the renovation of the White House ballroom.
Judge Questions Park Superintendent Under Oath
To clarify what was happening on the ground, Judge Reyes questioned Kevin Griess, Superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks, under oath. In a moment of humor, Reyes confirmed her pronunciation: “Grease,” like the movie.
Griess explained that maintenance decisions had been limited to a conditions assessment and were not yet formal renovation orders.
He said he had given verbal direction to survey trees for safety concerns because of what he described as a “very dangerous” situation with dead trees — trees that could fall during high winds.
“There’s nothing in writing about what was directed,” Griess said, emphasizing the limited nature of the maintenance order.
Plaintiffs Warn About Tree Removal History
Attorney Will Bardwell, representing the plaintiffs, warned the court not to overlook historical context. He pointed to tree‑removal activities at the Kennedy Center, where similar explanations for cutting trees were used in a dispute over alleged unauthorized work.
Bardwell said:
“Cutting down trees is the very first step in a golf course construction project, and so … we are deeply concerned that they are going to use this as an excuse to begin hardcore construction under the guise of taking down a dying tree.”
Judge Reyes acknowledged the argument but said she was focused solely on what was happening at East Potomac Golf Course, stating she knew nothing of the Kennedy Center situation.
Judge Probes Reports of Course Closure Signs
Reyes also questioned both the DOJ and park officials about reports of signs indicating a closure of the golf course. The government said it was not aware of any such signs and that no formal decision had been made to close the facility to the public.
Although the judge declined to issue an injunction at the hearing, she delivered a stern warning to DOJ attorney Michael Robertson and the agency defendants.
Judge Warns DOJ About “Asking Forgiveness Later”
Judge Reyes made clear she expects full compliance with court process and communication:
“I do not want a situation where something has happened and then I’m being told … that it’s too late to do anything about it.”
She cautioned that if the government acts first and asks forgiveness later, there would be “serious consequences.” Reyes underscored that she would not tolerate actions taken without consultation or notice.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Issue | Dispute over alleged golf course renovations at East Potomac GC |
| Plaintiff | D.C. Preservation League |
| Defendants | Department of Interior agencies & DOJ |
| Judge | U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes |
| Main Argument | Plaintiffs claim routine maintenance is a cover for renovation |
| Government Position | Maintenance only; no formal closure or construction |
| Judge’s Warning | No pre‑emptive actions without notice — “serious consequences” |
| Public Sign Reports | Government says unaware of closure signage |
In a rapidly convened federal hearing, the DOJ defended itself against claims that signs and actions at East Potomac Golf Course over the weekend prove impending renovations that would ignore judicial authority.
Judge Ana Reyes listened to arguments from both sides — emphasizing transparency, caution, and adherence to proper procedures — and declined to issue an injunction while warning the government against taking unauthorized action.
The case continues to unfold as the court weighs the written record against claims of imminent, unlawful renovation efforts.
