Trump’s Controversial East Potomac Park Redevelopment Faces New Hearing

1 day ago 0

A federal judge has mandated a new hearing regarding former President Trump’s intentions to redevelop East Potomac Park. This follows his recent social media declaration to proceed with the project, despite the judge’s previous ruling to halt it.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes had earlier issued a preliminary injunction, prompted by a preservationist group and local D.C. golfers, to stop the project. In response, Trump criticized the judge, stating, “we are closing the East Potomac Golf Course Site as scheduled” on November 15. He also claimed that Reyes “does not have the Constitutional Right to ‘ask for or receive notices,’ which are time-consuming, unnecessary, expensive, and unconstitutional.”

The hearing will occur either on Friday or Monday, as specified in Reyes’s order. Trump has consistently mocked Reyes’s opposition to his plan and asserted that the East Potomac Golf Links are currently “dangerous” and in need of renovation.

Reyes ordered the new hearing after Trump’s post contradicted testimony from Department of Justice lawyers who claimed ignorance of any imminent tree removal plans associated with the project.

Read more from The Hill’s Dominick Mastrangelo.

This is part of The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter. I’m Rachel Frazin, keeping you informed on policies impacting a range of sectors from oil and gas to new supply chains.

Essential Reads

Key policy impacts on energy and environment now and in the future include:

A U.S. passenger ship paused its global three-year voyage in Cambodia due to fuel costs, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s response to the disastrous 2023 East Palestine train derailment is under investigation, following advocacy from local residents and Vice President JD Vance.
Former President Trump announced plans to relax methane regulations for the oil and gas sector during a Lubbock, Texas rally.

What We’re Reading

Highlighted news from other outlets on energy and the environment:

Trump promotes $10,000 checks for neighbors of a Louisiana data center. Residents report not receiving them (WWL Louisiana).
‘Highest king tide ever’ inundates South Florida, highlighting sea rise dangers (Miami Herald).
Underwater data centers may soon be in the U.S., potentially in endangered whale habitats (Scientific American).

What Others are Reading

Prominent stories on The Hill:

Conservative influencer James O’Keefe faces charges in Minnesota for impersonating registered voters at polling places during the state’s primary election.
A federal judge calls for a new hearing on President Trump’s East Potomac Park redevelopment plan following his social media posts.

You’re all caught up. See you tomorrow!

The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Energy and Environment newsletter.

Tags: Donald Trump, East Potomac Golf Course, East Potomac Park, James O’Keefe