Judges bristle as they are forced to decide the details of Trump's Washington makeover

WASHINGTON (AP) — District and federal court judges in Washington are used to handling some of the nation’s thorniest issues, from complex deportation cases to the fates of Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot defendants and more. But in the nearly two years since President Donald Trump returned to office, they have been adjudicating a litany of cases challenging construction projects he initiated to remake the nation’s capital at a breakneck speed.

Judges accustomed to parsing the Constitution are now being forced to decide how many trees may be cut down or whether paint tests can proceed. Their decisions ultimately could determine how Washington is reshaped and could have a significant say on the limits of presidential power. But in reaching those conclusions, the judges appear to be growing increasingly frustrated with being thrust into what otherwise might be the purview of project managers, zoning officials or board legal counsel.

The docket of renovation projects has ballooned over the months, drawing in at least nine judges so far. Cases are now underway challenging, among others, Trump’s proposed monumental arch where he plans to place drones and snipers; the potential destruction of the iconic Kennedy Center; a White House ballroom and the renovation of a public golf course that enthusiasts fear will make it unaffordable. Together they highlight an increasingly mistrustful third branch exasperated by the president’s behavior in pursuit of his desires.

The evidence is in statements, rulings, orders and outright anger during hearings. “The administration has created a problem where the courts are flooded with challenges to efforts that they have undertaken to satisfy one man’s ego,” said David Singleton, a law professor at the University of the District of Columbia. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

One judge’s frustration on display in hearing The judicial frustration erupted into full view last week during a remote hearing over the Washington golf course that Trump wants to turn into a world-class venue. Plaintiffs argue the administration’s redevelopment would violate the congressional act that created the park. Judge Ana Reyes excoriated a government attorney for the first 15 minutes of the hearing over what she said was the administration’s deceit after it cut down trees at the course over a holiday weekend, with little notificatio…

6, 2021, Capitol riot defendants and more.But in the nearly two years since President Donald Trump returned to office, they have been adjudicating a litany of cases challenging construction projects he initiated to remake the nation's capital at a breakneck speed.