U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a sharp rebuke of the Trump administration on Monday, criticizing Department of Justice and National Park Service lawyers for failing to provide adequate warning before felling hundreds of trees in East Potomac Park over the weekend. The rapid deforestation triggered an immediate emergency court order halting the work and led to a hearing the following morning.
In a separate development, Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) addressed the federal raid conducted at her Washington, D.C., residence, characterizing the action as an act of political intimidation.
Hurry up and wait. These emergency orders often expose poor planning more than anything else.
Ilhan Omar’s point about intimidation is valid. If I were her, I’d feel targeted too.
Judge Reyes sounds fed up. Due process shouldn’t be optional just because officials are in a rush.
This is alarming. Trees are a shared resource, not political pawns. Where is the accountability?