By Salma El-Sakka
The Justice Department has confirmed that President Donald Trump's announcements regarding plans to renovate the East Potomac Golf Course and close the park beginning November 15 are accurate, according to a court filing Wednesday night.
Court Filing Details
The filing states that on October 30, the National Park Service will submit a rendering designed by Tom Fazio for a championship-level golf course capable of hosting major events such as the U.S. Open to the National Capital Planning Commission for review. The park service will then close East Potomac Park south of Buckeye Drive, including the golf course, on November 15, consistent with the president's directive. The planning commission will consider the plan at its December 3 meeting.
Legal Challenges and Injunction
The announcement follows a lawsuit filed by the DC Preservation League and two golfers challenging the plans. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction on October 26, temporarily barring the government from removing or damaging additional trees on the course. The administration must provide 10 days' written notice before making any irreparable modifications while the lawsuit is active. Judge Reyes ordered Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. to appear in court for a status hearing on Friday.
Lease Agreement and Operations
Wednesday's filing explained that the National Park Service entered a new lease agreement with the National Links Trust, the company currently operating the East Potomac Golf Course. Under the agreement, the National Links Trust will cease operating the course by close of business on or before November 15 but will continue operating two other public golf courses.
Broader Washington Projects
The golf course renovation is part of Trump's broader campaign to leave his imprint on Washington's historic landscape, which includes plans for a huge ballroom at the White House, a massive arch at Memorial Circle, and a National Garden of American Heroes in West Potomac Park. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan will hold a hearing Friday on a motion to halt construction of the arch, which is also facing legal challenges from the Arlington County Board and a coalition of veterans and architectural historians.
