D.C. Golf Course Set for Closure by Nov. 15 After Tree Dispute

The Department of the Interior is preparing to close East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., by November 15, according to senior Justice Department officials. The historic public course, which has operated since 1920, faces a temporary shutdown for a full redesign and renovation.

The push for closure follows two statements by President Trump on Truth Social. The president wrote that the course would close to be overhauled for competitive, safety, modernization, and aesthetic reasons. He later announced that the Interior Department, led by Secretary Doug Burgum, and golf course architect Tom Fazio had developed a plan to build a world class championship golf course at the site. Trump stated the new course would open in roughly 15 months.

The legal conflict began when a local preservation group and two golfers challenged the government's actions. The dispute intensified when more than 500 trees were cut down over a single weekend. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes moved to stop the tree removal, arguing the felling was part of the administration's plan for the new course.

On Monday, Reyes issued a decision continuing the bar on the government removing or damaging trees at the site while the litigation continues. In a 70 page ruling, the judge noted that it is rare for the Department of Justice to urge a federal court not to believe the sitting president. She cited a contentious hearing where Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward told the court there was no plan to close the course, despite the president's social media posts.

Reyes wrote that the case has become much more than a dispute over golf. She stated the case now forces the court to reconcile assertions by the president with the sworn testimony of government employees and the arguments of senior Justice Department attorneys. The judge described the situation as a good walk spoiled, noting the case started as a matter of golf but has expanded in scope.

The Justice Department has appealed Reyes' decision. A court hearing is scheduled for Friday or Monday to address how the case will proceed in the coming days. The plaintiffs have not yet filed a motion asking Reyes to block the course closure and the subsequent overhaul.

Woodward acknowledged the president's posts in a brief filing with the district court. He stated that Interior, acting through counsel, is working to develop a plan to carry out that direction and will notify the court of the steps being taken.