Tensions flare at court hearing on Trump’s golf course renovation after president says construction will begin ‘immediately’

A federal judge spent Monday pressing the administration to reconcile Donald Trump's public statements about East Potomac Golf Course with what its lawyers and witnesses say in court. Trump had announced that morning on Truth Social that work would start immediately, no approval needed, despite U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes's order requiring three days' notice before irreparable changes, according to CNN.

Reyes complained of conflicting accounts: Trump describes a final plan, yet administration witnesses say none exists. Justice Department attorney Robert Stander struggled to answer, and Associate Attorney General Stan Woodward said there is no plan to close the course in the literal sense. Park Service acting chief Jessica Bowron, who authorized cutting more than 400 trees this month, said a closure next month and renovation had never come up for her.

Preservationists and golfers are suing to protect the public course, which Trump wants converted into a professional one costing an estimated $20 million to $49 million. Reyes has barred more tree cutting until October 26 and is weighing a longer restriction. She also denied a Justice Department request to remove her from the case.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN →