Federal judge vs Trump administration over D.C. golf course

WASHINGTON (CBS, KYMA) - There is a stand-off between a federal judge and the Trump Administration. This time, it's over a historic Washington, D.C. golf course.

President Donald Trump wants to turn the century old public links into a championship-style golf venue.

However, the D.C. Preservation League and two golfers filed a legal challenge, arguing the redevelopment would damage the site and may violate a congressional act designating the space as a park for all to use.

In May, the judge ordered the Trump Administration to give advanced notice of any major plans to change the area including the removal of more than 10 trees.

Then last week, the Trump Administration removed hundreds of trees without much notice, leading the judge to order the administration to halt work on the course.

Justice Department lawyers argued the move was part of general clean-up efforts.

This week, President Trump announced on social media that work would begin immediately on the venue and that it would close November 15.

At another hearing Monday, the judge clashed with DOJ lawyers over the administration's plans to move ahead.

That same day Trump slammed the judge, a Biden appointee, on social media as a "crazed lunatic" and called on her to recuse herself.

The judge declined to step aside and ended Monday's hearing without a ruling, while noting that she was receiving death threats over the case.

Late last night, Trump posted multiple images of debris and damaged structures at the course, dubbing the area "Trash Island."