Trump blames judge after staffer hit by golf ball at East Potomac course
President Trump criticised a federal judge for blocking his plans to renovate Washington’s East Potomac Golf Course, calling it dangerous and unsightly and saying his administration would hold the judge responsible if anyone were hurt or killed there. The dispute matters because a court order has halted work on a public site used by golfers, runners and cyclists while preservation groups challenge the administration’s plans.
Trump said a White House staffer had been hit in the chest by a golf ball, which he linked to gaps in the driving range’s protective netting. Judge Ana Reyes issued a further injunction after the National Park Service removed about 430 trees on 9 October with less than 24 hours’ notice; the order bars further tree damage and requires 10 days’ written notice before changes to the course. Reyes also ordered a senior Justice Department official to attend a court hearing on Friday.
In short
- Trump attacked the judge blocking his golf course renovation.
- A court order followed the removal of about 430 trees.
- The administration must give 10 days’ notice before further changes.
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The case for
The administration can argue that East Potomac’s condition poses a real safety risk, especially if gaps in the netting allow golf balls to reach people using nearby public paths. It may say that renovation is needed to address hazards and improve a heavily used site, and that court restrictions make timely work harder while leaving those risks in place.
The case against
Preservation groups and supporters of the injunction can argue that safety concerns do not justify removing hundreds of trees or proceeding without adequate notice and review. The court’s limits protect a public landscape while the plans are challenged, and requiring notice and oversight helps ensure that any renovation is lawful, transparent and proportionate.
Explained simply
East Potomac Golf Course is a public course on land managed by the National Park Service in Washington, DC. The wider site is also used by people walking, running and cycling, and some of its trees and historic features are protected.
The National Park Service is part of the federal government, whose plans for the course have been challenged by preservation groups. Federal courts can review government actions, and Judge Ana Reyes is overseeing the case. The dispute concerns how the site can be changed while its public use and protected features are taken into account.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Trump reveals White House staffer hit ‘violently in the chest’ by golf ball and says he’ll hold judge responsible for anyone killed at ‘disgusting’ DC course”.