Trump to close historic DC golf course for 15 months of renovations, citing ‘disease infested trees,’ despite judge’s order to halt development plans

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday plans to close the historic East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., for 15 months of redevelopment, despite a court order halting his renovation efforts. The course, located near the White House, will be closed starting Nov. 15 to transform it into "one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World."

However, a judge last week ordered a halt to the redevelopment plans until at least Oct. 26, after expressing frustration with the government for initiating extensive tree removal on the holiday weekend and providing insufficient notice to the court or plaintiffs opposing the renovation. Trump's announcement, which featured an artist's rendering of the course redesign, did not address the legal challenges.

Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs, stated that the course is a national park and recreation facility meant for public enjoyment, emphasizing their commitment to defending the space from what they described as unlawful and harmful intrusion. The judge in the case took note of Trump's online statement and ordered the government to notify her by 8 p.m. EDT Sunday about any changes to its position regarding the redevelopment plan.

Trump, a golf enthusiast, has been vocal about his desire to modernize the course as part of broader efforts to renovate government landmarks, including the White House and the Kennedy Center. Many of his proposed projects, such as a large ballroom at the White House and a massive arch, have faced legal challenges. The 106-year-old park and course, which has been open to Washingtonians of all income levels, has been the focus of numerous emergency hearings as Trump seeks to renovate it.

The National Park Service has reported that debris from the White House East Wing demolition, intended for Trump's ballroom project, contains toxic metals, including lead and chromium. Trump justified the tree removal by arguing that the course, originally built without trees, is now overgrown, dysfunctional, and unsafe. The legal battle over the renovation plans continues, with a federal court hearing scheduled for Monday to address key issues, including the recent tree-cutting and its connection to the president's renovation plans.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who has ordered the administration to testify on the matter, has faced criticism from the administration for her handling of the emergency hearing on Oct. 12 and has been asked to step aside by the plaintiffs.