US judge again blocks Trump’s makeover plan for DC golf course

A federal judge has halted the Trump administration's plan to close East Potomac Park and Golf Course in Washington, D.C., ruling that the government's justification for the closure was likely a pretext to advance President Trump's redevelopment plans. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes issued a temporary restraining order on Saturday, preventing the Department of the Interior (DOI) and National Park Service (NPS) from shutting down the historic site, which was set to close on Sunday.

This legal setback adds to Trump's efforts to transform the public golf course into a championship-style facility, designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio. Judge Reyes found that the administration's stated reasons for the closure, including infrastructure issues and the lack of an operator, were likely pretextual. She concluded that the government was seeking to close the park to facilitate Trump's redevelopment.

The dispute centers on Trump's vision for the Washington National Plan, which involves replacing the current golf course with a championship-style facility capable of hosting major tournaments, including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. The proposed closure would have also affected large parts of East Potomac Park, including recreational areas, walking paths, and fishing spots.

Judge Reyes questioned the necessity of the closure, pointing out that the government had previously allowed public access despite longstanding concerns about the seawall's condition. She noted that the National Park Service had identified seawall safety issues as early as 2019 but had not previously determined that the entire park needed to be closed.

The judge also challenged the administration's argument that the closure was necessary due to the nonprofit organization's termination as the golf course operator. Reyes pointed out that the NPS had itself ended the organization's operations and then used this as justification for the park's closure. She found that the government had not adequately considered less restrictive alternatives, such as closing only the areas affected by seawall repairs or finding a new operator for the golf course.

The ruling, which remains in effect until November 28, ensures that East Potomac Golf Course remains accessible to the public, even if the government decides not to operate it for golf.