Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s plan to redevelop East Potomac golf course in D.C.
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from closing East Potomac Park to redevelop its golf course, keeping the park and surrounding paths open to the public while litigation continues. The order preserves the status quo, allowing routine closures but not excluding public access or hastening a shutdown of the area’s amenities. While not forcing golf-course operations to continue, the ruling contends that closing the park would harm public use of national parkland. The decision comes amid contention over safety justifications and amid public criticism from Trump, who has portrayed the site as a constructed asset for his administration’s projects. The case proceeds, leaving the development plans in limbo for now.
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U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a temporary restraining order requiring East Potomac Park and adjacent bike/walking paths to remain accessible to the public during ongoing litigation.
The order specifies that only routine, temporary closures consistent with historical operating practices are allowed, and excludes any broad shutdown of the park or its pathways.
The judge’s ruling does not force the government to keep the golf course itself fully operational, such as the concession stand or pro shop, but prohibits using lack of golf operations to justify public exclusion.
Proponents argued the park needed to close for repairs, including a seawall, which they described as an imminent safety threat, prompting the administration’s plan to shutter the area.
Reyes criticized the speed and scope of the National Park Service’s actions, noting the agency cut down about 400 trees in a short period and suggesting such moves undermine public safety justifications.
President Trump labeled the site “Trash Island” and criticized the judge, with the dispute framed as part of a broader set of leadership projects at Washington landmarks.