The Department of the Interior is currently developing a plan to shutter the historic East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., by Nov. 15, according to senior Justice Department officials. The move follows two declarations made by President Trump on Truth Social stating that the public course will temporarily close for a comprehensive redesign next month.
Department of Justice Confirms Closure Strategy
In a recent filing submitted to a U.S. district court, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward confirmed the directives issued by President Trump. The statements on social media indicated that East Potomac would close down for safety, modernization, aesthetic improvements, and competitive reasons.
Woodward stated in the court document, "Accordingly, Interior, acting through counsel, is working to develop a plan to implement that direction and will provide this Court with notice." Previously, government attorneys had maintained during a contentious court hearing that there was no official plan to close the facility, prompting remarks from U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes regarding the disparity between presidential statements and government testimony.
Legal Battle and Tree Removal Dispute
For months, the Trump administration has been locked in a legal battle with a local preservation group and two golfers over the future of the public course, which has welcomed players since 1920. The conflict escalated after more than 500 trees were chopped down at the site over a single weekend.
- President Trump announced that Secretary Doug Burgum and golf-course architect Tom Fazio developed a plan for a championship course.
- Judge Ana Reyes issued an order preventing the government from removing or damaging any more trees during the ongoing litigation.
- The administration previously insisted that only a "possible project" existed, with no finalized proposal for renovations.
- The revamped course is projected to reopen in approximately 15 months if the project moves forward.
Presidential Announcements vs. Sworn Testimony
The legal proceedings have drawn judicial attention regarding how the court must weigh public statements against official legal arguments. Judge Reyes noted in her 70-page decision that "rarely, if ever, has the United States Department of Justice urged a federal court not to believe the sitting President."
Although the Justice Department has appealed the judge's injunction against tree removal, plaintiffs in the lawsuit have not yet filed a motion to specifically block the upcoming course closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is East Potomac Golf Links scheduled to close?
Senior Justice Department officials stated that the government is working on a plan to close the course by Nov. 15, following announcements made by President Trump.
Who is designing the new championship golf course?
President Trump announced on Truth Social that Secretary Doug Burgum and golf-course architect Tom Fazio developed a plan to build a world-class championship course at the site.
Why is the golf course involved in a lawsuit?
A local preservation group and two golfers filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the potential overhaul, which intensified after more than 500 trees were removed over a weekend.