Trump says Washington golf course renovation to start in November, despite judge's order

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the renovation of a historic Washington golf course, East Potomac Golf Links, would begin in November, despite a federal judge's order. The renovation, initially planned for September, has been the center of a lawsuit concerning environmental and historical preservation concerns. The renovation project is part of a series of initiatives Trump is undertaking to alter various Washington landmarks.

Federal Judge Ana Reyes had previously ruled that the government needed to provide prior notice before initiating any significant construction work on the golf course. Last week, she issued an order halting the removal of trees at the site, deeming it "inexcusable". Upon Trump's posts on Truth Social, the judge ordered the Trump administration to clarify whether they were maintaining their previous stance or had merely given preliminary thoughts on the renovations.

In response to the judge's order, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward stated in a filing that any redesign of the golf course is not an agency action. Similar to how altering all art exhibits in a Smithsonian Museum would not be considered agency action, Trump's decision to redesign the golf course or remove trees, replace fences, expand fairways, and mow the lawn would also not be classified as an agency action, according to Woodward's statement.