A federal judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s plan to redevelop East Potomac Golf Links in Washington DC, preventing the historic public course from closing for a proposed 15-month overhaul.
US District Judge Ana Reyes issued the restraining order on Saturday, keeping East Potomac Park and the golf course open during the hours they operated on November 14. The order is due to remain in force until November 28, unless the court acts sooner. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-golf-course-east-potomac-injunction-df0f89f28f2a216faf09b3d63cdb6f9a))
The ruling came after the DC Preservation League and two local golfers challenged the redevelopment, arguing that closing the site and beginning construction would cause irreversible damage to a much-used public park.
Trump has promoted plans for a new championship course designed by Tom Fazio, to replace the existing three-course facility near the Potomac River. He has described the current course as unsafe and among the worst in the world, while promising a venue capable of hosting major tournaments.
In her decision, Judge Reyes said the President’s public statements appeared to show that the redevelopment plan was settled and that the National Park Service intended to close the park to carry it out.
The judge’s order does not require the government to manage or operate the course. It also allows repairs to continue, provided officials comply with notice requirements set out in an earlier preliminary injunction.
Trump golf course redevelopment remains under legal challenge
The Justice Department said the ruling recognised the National Park Service’s ability to restrict access where there may be a risk to public safety. It added that nothing in the order prevented the administration from continuing to plan a “world class” golf course.
Lawyers for the challengers welcomed the decision, saying the proposed redevelopment threatened to destroy a valued public space. Democracy Forward, which represents the plaintiffs, has argued that the administration moved ahead without completing the environmental review required for such a major change.
The dispute follows the removal of hundreds of trees at East Potomac Golf Links in October. Judge Reyes previously barred further tree removal and ordered the government to give advance notice before making irreversible changes to the park. ([cases.justia.com](https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/district-of-columbia/dcdce/1%3A2026cv00477/289401/103/0.pdf?ts=1793094337))
Trump criticised the latest ruling on Truth Social, saying the course needed to be repaired because its fairways were too close together and the site was unsafe. He said the project would enhance Washington and eventually attract events including the US Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup.
The temporary order delays the proposed closure but does not resolve the wider case, which is expected to determine whether the administration can proceed with the redevelopment of the historic public golf course.
