President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge on Monday following a court order that blocked administration plans to alter a public golf course and park in Washington, D.C.
Writing on social media shortly before a scheduled court hearing, Trump defended the Interior Department's efforts to redesign the property, asserting that the agency has the right to upgrade the site. He also criticized U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who previously issued an order halting renovation plans and tree removal while a lawsuit from local residents and the D.C. Preservation League proceeds.
The legal dispute intensified after the government removed nearly 500 trees from the location despite the active court order. Judge Reyes subsequently ordered Interior Department officials to testify regarding the actions. In response, the Justice Department sought to disqualify the judge for alleged bias, a request that Reyes denied prior to Monday's proceedings.
