Trump Plans to Close East Potomac Golf Course for 15 Months Despite Court Order

President Donald Trump said Sunday he will close the East Potomac Golf Course, a 106-year-old public links near the White House, for 15 months beginning Nov. 15 to rebuild it into what he described as one of the best courses in the world. The announcement, made on social media and accompanied by an artist’s rendering, directly conflicts with a federal judge’s order last week halting his redevelopment plans until at least Oct. 26.

Trump did not mention the legal fight in his post. He said the finished course would remain open to the public while being designed to host major tournaments such as the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup. He justified the closure by calling the current course «old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect,» citing «falling, dangerous, and disease infested trees» and a «collapsing and hazardous seawall.»

The timing complicates a federal court hearing scheduled for Monday in a lawsuit brought by the DC Preservation League and two golfers who oppose the construction. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered key administration officials to testify about recent tree-cutting and whether those actions are tied to the president’s plans. The government on Friday asked that Reyes be replaced, questioning her impartiality and citing what it called «egregious» behavior from the bench during an emergency hearing on Oct. 12.

At that three-hour hearing, Reyes criticized the government’s attorney for the lack of notice she and the plaintiffs received before hundreds of trees were removed over a holiday weekend. After Trump’s Sunday post, the judge ordered the government to notify her by 8 p.m. EDT whether its position had changed from a court filing Friday that said «at most» Trump had given «preliminary thought» to the rebuilding plan and that «there is no final agency action.»

Democracy Forward, which represents the plaintiffs, said the course is part of a national park and recreation facility meant for everyone. «Our litigation is intended to protect this community jewel for the people and communities it serves and we will continue to work with our plaintiffs to defend it from unlawful and harmful intrusion,» said Skye Perryman, the group’s president and CEO. Over the weekend, the plaintiffs asked the judge to grant a longer preliminary injunction or a stay.

The golf course makeover is part of a broader push by Trump to renovate landmarks around Washington, including the White House and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Many of those projects, such as a proposed White House ballroom and a large arch, have faced legal challenges. Opponents of the golf plan argue that turning the affordable public course into a high-end facility would alter the character of the space and make it less accessible to residents of all income levels.

Debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing, cleared to make way for the ballroom project, has also been dumped on the golf course grounds. The National Park Service has said the debris tested positive for lead, chromium and other toxic metals. Trump also sought to justify the tree removal by saying the course was originally famous for having no trees and offering views of Washington, but is now «completely overgrown, dysfunctional, and unsafe.»

The case returns to court Monday, when Reyes is expected to address the administration’s request that she step aside. The outcome will determine whether the closure and reconstruction can proceed as announced or remain on hold while the legal challenge moves forward.

5Views

Author

Connor Quincy

Technology Reporter

Connor Quincy covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

All articles by this author