Biden-Appointed Judge Stops Closure of D.C. Golf Course Trump Wants Renovated
A federal court halted the planned closure and major renovation of East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, delaying a 15-month shutdown after Trump’s proposal to redevelop the site drew legal challenges. Judge Ana Reyes granted a two-week restraining order to keep the course open during its daily hours while litigation proceeds, balancing preservation with the administration’s redevelopment aims. Plaintiffs argued the plan would alter the course’s accessibility and affordability, while the Trump camp frames the project as a dignified, championship-grade upgrade. The ruling signals aTemporary pause in a high-profile dispute over public access versus vanity development, with repairs allowed under the existing injunction and further legal proceedings forthcoming. The case keeps the future of East Potomac Park in flux as opponents seek to shield the historic site from a sweeping renovation.
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The East Potomac Golf Links, located on federally owned land at East Potomac Park, faced a planned closure for 15 months as part of a renovation announced in May by the Trump administration to prepare the course for major professional events.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a two-week temporary restraining order that prevents closing the course during its current daily hours, even as legal challenges continue; the order explicitly does not require active management by the government but allows ongoing repairs with notice under the existing injunction.
The plaintiffs, including the DC Preservation League and two local golfers, argued the renovation would change the course’s character and make it unaffordable, a claim the Trump camp denies; the court’s stance centers on preserving access while litigation unfolds.
The National Park Service had already marked more than 500 trees for possible removal as part of the contemplated renovation, highlighting the scale of the proposed changes to the historic site.
Trump publicly criticized the judge on Truth Social, insisting the project would enhance dignity and beauty and noting his golf portfolio as a developer; supporters and critics alike anticipated how the case would affect public access to a valued urban amenity.
Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs, praised the ruling as preventing irreparable harm to East Potomac Park and stressing the importance of preserving a treasured public space against what they describe as a vanity project.