By Fatma Younis
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed in a court filing Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s plan to close East Potomac Park south of Buckeye Drive on November 15 and redevelop its historic golf course is proceeding. The filing states the National Park Service will submit a design by Tom Fazio for a championship-level course to the National Capital Planning Commission on October 30, with commission review scheduled for December 3.
Court Filing Details Plan
The legal document reveals the National Park Service entered a new lease agreement with the National Links Trust, the current operator, which will cease operations at East Potomac Golf Course by close of business on November 15 while continuing to run two other public courses. The closure is expected to last 15 months.
Legal Battle and Injunction
The confirmation follows a lawsuit by the DC Preservation League and two golfers after Trump announced the closure on social media on October 18. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes granted a preliminary injunction on October 26 halting further tree removal, citing a gap between the president’s public claims and sworn testimony from Justice, Interior, and Park Service officials who said they were unaware of the plans. The order requires 10 days’ written notice before any irreparable modification to the course.
Tree Removal Controversy
The injunction came after the government cut down more than 400 trees at the course in late October, prompting accusations of irreversible damage. Critics argue the renovation will make the course unaffordable for the public and eliminate other park uses. Judge Reyes ordered Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. to appear for a status hearing on Friday or Monday to clarify whether a closure plan exists.
Broader Washington Plans
The East Potomac project is part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape Washington’s historic landscape, including a proposed White House ballroom, a massive arch, and a National Garden of American Heroes in West Potomac Park. Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging these initiatives, with judges issuing injunctions to halt work pending litigation.
