Trump Plans 15-Month Closure of Historic DC Golf Course for Redevelopment

President Donald Trump announced Sunday his intention to close the historic East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., for 15 months of renovations, aiming to transform it into a premier golfing destination. The closure is slated to begin November 15.

Trump posted on social media about the plan, sharing an artist's rendering of the proposed redesign and stating the course would be "one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World." He envisioned it hosting major tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup while remaining open to the public.

However, Trump's announcement comes amid a legal battle over the renovation. A judge recently ordered a halt to redevelopment plans until at least October 26. The judge had previously criticized the government for commencing large-scale tree removal at the course over a holiday weekend with minimal notice to the court and plaintiffs opposing the project.

Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs, stated that the course is part of a national park intended for public enjoyment. "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.

The judge overseeing the case acknowledged Trump's social media post and directed the government to respond by Sunday evening regarding any change in its position. Previously, the government had indicated in a court filing that the president had only given "preliminary thought" to the plan and that there was "no final agency action."

The East Potomac Golf Course, over 100 years old, has been the subject of legal challenges related to Trump's renovation ambitions. Opponents argue that transforming it into a high-end course would alter its character and reduce affordability for the public. Trump has previously justified similar projects, such as renovations at the White House and Kennedy Center, by citing deterioration and safety concerns.

Regarding the East Potomac course, Trump claimed it is "old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect. It is in very poor condition, with falling, dangerous, and disease infested trees and, importantly, a collapsing and hazardous seawall." He also pointed to debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing, which tested positive for toxic metals, being dumped on the golf course grounds.

Trump also defended the tree removal, asserting that the course was originally designed with unobstructed views of Washington, D.C., and is now "completely overgrown, dysfunctional, and unsafe."

The planned construction announcement complicates a federal court hearing scheduled for Monday. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes is expected to address the administration's request for her recusal from the case, citing perceived bias and "egregious" behavior during a recent hearing. The plaintiffs have also requested a more long-standing preliminary injunction or stay on the project. The administration had questioned the judge's impartiality following her strong remarks regarding the lack of notification about the tree-cutting operation.