Trump sets DC golf course overhaul despite court pause; judge summons government

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the public East Potomac Golf Links near the White House will close Nov. 15 for roughly 15 months of redevelopment. On Truth Social, he called the 106-year-old course "old, broken, dilapidated," citing dangerous, diseased trees and a crumbling seawall. He said the rebuilt course would remain open to the public and could host events such as the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. He did not mention the ongoing lawsuit.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes halted the work last week until at least Oct. 26, after the National Park Service cut down hundreds of trees over a holiday weekend, about 500 according to Reuters. In a filing Friday, the government told the court Trump had given the plan "at most" "preliminary thought" and that there was no final agency action. After Trump's post, Reyes ordered the government to say by Sunday night whether that position had changed. She also ordered key administration officials to testify about the tree cutting at a hearing Monday.

The suit was brought by the DC Preservation League and two golfers, who argue that an upscale course would change the character of an affordable public park. The administration cites safety and a 2019 park plan, and it has asked that Reyes be removed from the case, accusing her of bias.