Donald Trump has announced plans to close Washington DC’s East Potomac Golf Course from November 15 for a major redevelopment, despite a judge ordering a halt to work at the public links until at least October 26.
The president said he wanted to turn the 106-year-old course, near the White House, into “one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World”. He posted an artist’s impression of the proposed redesign but did not mention the legal challenge to the project.
Trump said the rebuilt course would remain open to the public and be capable of hosting major tournaments including the US Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup.
Judge orders halt to East Potomac work
US District Judge Ana Reyes ordered the pause after the government began removing large numbers of trees over a holiday weekend. She criticised officials for giving little notice to the court or to the plaintiffs seeking to block the redevelopment.
Judge Reyes has ordered the government to say whether its position has changed since a court filing on Friday. That filing said Trump had given “at most” only “preliminary thought” to rebuilding the course and that “there is no final agency action”.
Her order came after she took notice of the president’s social media announcement, which set out a clear plan for construction. A hearing is scheduled for Monday in a case brought by the DC Preservation League and two golfers.
The judge has also ordered senior members of the Republican administration to give evidence about the tree removal and whether it is connected to Trump’s plans for the public course.
On Friday, the administration asked for Judge Reyes to be removed from the case, questioning her impartiality and accusing her of “egregious” conduct during an emergency hearing on October 12.
During that three-hour hearing, the judge expressed anger at the government’s lawyer over the lack of warning given to her and the plaintiffs before the trees were cut down. The plaintiffs have since asked for a longer-term preliminary injunction and, alternatively, a stay.
Opponents warn of impact on public course
Democracy Forward, which represents the challengers, said East Potomac was part of a national park and recreation facility intended for everyone to enjoy.
“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 organisation’s president and chief executive.
The course has been available to Washington residents across income levels. Opponents argue that converting it into a high-end facility would change its character and make it less affordable.
Trump has defended the project by describing the existing course as unsafe and in poor condition. “The current Course is old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect,” he wrote, citing falling and diseased trees as well as a collapsing and hazardous seawall.
He also said the course had originally been known for having no trees and offering views across Washington, but was now “completely overgrown, dysfunctional, and unsafe”.
The proposed redevelopment forms part of a wider programme of changes around the capital, including work involving the White House and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Several of those projects, including a planned ballroom at the White House, the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center and a proposed large arch, have faced legal challenges.
