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Politics · October 19, 2026

Trump to close and renovate D.C. golf course, despite legal battle

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President Donald Trump announced plans on Truth Social to renovate the historic East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., into a world-class championship venue. Trump stated that the project, involving architect Tom Fazio and the Department of the Interior, is scheduled to begin November 15 and take 15 months to complete. The announcement triggered immediate scrutiny from U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who is presiding over a legal challenge by preservationists and residents. The court is investigating whether the administration’s actions—including the recent removal of hundreds of trees—contradict previous government filings claiming the project was merely conceptual. A hearing featuring testimony from senior Interior Department and National Park Service officials is scheduled for Monday.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • President Trump plans to renovate East Potomac Golf Links using architect Tom Fazio.
  • Renovations are scheduled to begin November 15 and are estimated to last 15 months.
  • Judge Ana Reyes issued an order on Sunday requiring the government to clarify its legal position following Trump's post.
  • The administration recently removed between 400 and 500 trees at the site.
  • The Justice Department has filed a motion for Judge Reyes to recuse herself or be disqualified from the case.
  • An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Monday morning with government officials ordered to attend.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The Justice Department filed a response Sunday night reiterating that there is no 'final agency action' and plans remain preliminary.
  • The tree removal was allegedly based on a 2019 National Park Service Cultural Landscape Report.
  • The renovation project follows a March 2025 executive order titled 'Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful.'
  • Judge Reyes previously halted tree cutting through October 26.
  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, mentioned as a related project, resulted in a peeling lining.

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