Washington residents will continue to play at East Potomac Golf Links after U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes issued a temporary order Saturday night requiring the course to remain open. The ruling stops the Trump administration’s plan to close the historic municipal golf course on Nov. 15 for a renovation that President Trump described as a chance to create a “world class” championship venue.
Judge Reyes said the administration’s proposal likely violated environmental law and ignored required notice‑and‑comment procedures, finding the closure would “irreparably harm” individual golfers, preservationists, and the public who enjoy the park daily. In her order, she noted the National Park Service failed to provide proper public notice before moving forward with the overhaul.
The Justice Department responded promptly, stating it will “always vociferously defend the Trump Administration’s agenda in court.” A DOJ spokesperson added that the court’s order does not prevent planning for the development of a world‑class golf course to continue, and that the National Park Service can limit access only when the public is at risk of harm.
President Trump, an avid golfer, first announced the idea to expand the East Potomac Links in May and later toured the site with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and renowned golf designer Tom Fazio. He initially said work would begin Sept. 1, a timeline that accelerated the legal challenge. On Saturday, Trump posted photos of the area he dubbed “Trash Island” and criticized the judge, writing that the court does not want the course fixed “quickly and inexpensively” and that the fairways are “far too close together.”
Reyes has expressed frustration with the administration’s actions in recent months. In October, she issued an order blocking the removal of more than 400 trees and imposing new notice requirements after the trees were cut with minimal warning. She told court officials she was “beyond disappointed with the government” and questioned whether she had been misled about the plans and timing.
Preservationists and local golfers filed the lawsuit, arguing the redevelopment would breach federal environmental regulations and diminish public access to a park enjoyed by Washingtonians of all stripes.
What’s next: The temporary order remains in effect while the parties continue litigation. The Trump administration may seek to modify the order, but any further closure of the course cannot occur without complying with the notice‑and‑comment process required by law.
Sources: cnn.com, keyt.com, abc17news.com
