Politics · United States · 24 mins ago
Judge blocks Trump plan to close and renovate Washington golf course
A federal judge ordered Washington’s East Potomac Golf Course to stay open after President Donald Trump’s administration planned to close it for renovation.
The course is in East Potomac Park, a public recreation area near the White House.
Trump wants to turn it into a championship golf course as part of his wider effort to remake Washington, DC.
Golfers and preservationists sued, arguing the changes could limit public access and break environmental rules.
Judge Ana Reyes said the administration likely failed to follow required procedures, including giving the public notice and a chance to comment.
She also said the government’s safety explanation for closing the park appeared to be a pretext.
The order is temporary, and the legal challenge over the redevelopment continues.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from closing East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, DC, for a planned renovation.
US District Judge Ana C. Reyes ruled that the planned closure and redevelopment likely violated legal requirements.
The order came before the course was due to close on Sunday for work on a championship-length course.
The case was brought by preservationists and local golfers who say the plan would change the course’s character and limit public access.
The dispute follows the removal of more than 400 trees at the site and months of legal challenges.
- Who
- US District Judge Ana C. Reyes blocked the Trump administration’s plan. Preservationists and golfers brought the case.
- What
- The judge temporarily barred the planned closure of East Potomac Golf Course for redevelopment.
- When
- Saturday night, before the course was due to close on Sunday.
- Where
- East Potomac Golf Course, in East Potomac Park, Washington, DC.
- Why
- Reyes found the administration’s legal process likely failed to meet requirements, including public notice and comment.
Preservationists and golfers
Trump administration
Access and character
Preservationists and golfers
The redevelopment could change the accessible course’s character and make it unaffordable.
Trump administration
The administration says the course needs to be renovated and has said local residents would receive a 50 percent discount.
Legal process
Preservationists and golfers
The plaintiffs say the project would violate environmental rules and harm public access.
Trump administration
The administration argued the closure was needed for safety and that the lease with the current operator was ending.
Trump publicly proposed taking over and expanding the municipal golf course.
Trump initially said work on East Potomac Links would begin.
Reyes blocked tree removal and imposed new notice requirements after more than 400 trees were removed with minimal notice.
Reyes temporarily blocked the planned closure of East Potomac Golf Course.
The course had been due to close for the renovation.
- Judge
- Ana C. Reyes
- Course
- East Potomac Golf Course, Washington, DC
- Trees removed
- More than 400
- Planned closure
- Sunday, November 15
- Proposed design
- 18-hole championship-length course by Tom Fazio
4 sources
Judge Blocks Immediate Closure of East Potomac Park for Trump Golf Project
Trump's demand to close historic park so he can build an international golf course near the White House is blocked by judge
Judge halts Trump plan to redevelop Washington, DC, golf course
Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from closing East Potomac Park
What people are saying
The Government proposes to close a historic park, daily enjoyed by Washingtonians of all stripes, indefinitely
Notice-and-comment rulemaking is not impracticable merely because NPS wishes to accommodate President Trump and close the Park by November 15
More than just being upset and furious right now, I am just beyond disappointed with the government
Unfortunately, Judge Ana Reyes doesn’t want us to quickly and inexpensively fix up the Course which is, also, very dangerous — The Fairways are far too close together