Judge halts Trump's makeover of historic DC golf course after 400 trees cut down

A judge has barred the Trump administration from cutting trees or carrying out other work at a century-old public golf course in Washington.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued the preliminary injunction on Monday, extending her block on the renovation of the East Potomac Golf Course.

The 106-year-old course was due to close for 15 months starting Nov. 15 under plans President Donald Trump announced on social media on Oct. 18.

A day later, Trump posted that the work would begin immediately.

The redevelopment was announced despite a court challenge already being brought by the D.C. Preservation League and two golfers.

Reyes, a nominee of Democratic President Joe Biden, had previously ordered the administration to suspend work on the project until at least Oct. 26.

The plaintiffs claim the work is inflicting irreversible damage.

At a hearing, the judge excoriated the government after workers cut down at least 400 trees over a holiday weekend with little notice to the plaintiffs.

The renovation forms part of the Republican president's campaign to leave his personal imprint on Washington's historic landscape.

His other plans include constructing a huge ballroom at the White House, building a massive arch and adding his own name to the Kennedy Center.

Reyes also rejected the administration's request that she recuse herself from the case.

The government had questioned her impartiality and accused her of engaging in “egregious” behavior from the bench during an emergency hearing in the case.