Judge Reyes questions Interior lawyer
The gist
U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes issued a 70-page opinion barring major alterations at East Potomac Park.
Trump says the Interior Department will appeal and construction will still start.
How it unfolded
- September 2026Judge Reyes said during proceedings, "I am not the Lorax... I do not speak for the trees. I am a judge."
- Mid-September 2026Wischer, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Interior, maintained he spontaneously became interested in tree and vegetation management at East Potomac Golf Course.
- Oct 13, 2026The government cut down 430 trees at East Potomac Golf Course with less than a day's notice, prompting a pair of lengthy court hearings.