President Donald Trump is pushing ahead with plans to renovate and transform a public golf course in Washington, D.C., into a world-class championship venue, even though a federal judge ordered his administration to halt some of the work already underway.
On Sunday, October 18, the president said the East Potomac Golf Links will close on November 15 for about 15 months while his administration prepares to dramatically redevelop the century-old site.
President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders in the Oval Office, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Abe McNatt)
The White House faces legal opposition to its plans to transform several prominent Washington landmarks, with preservation groups trying to block the way of efforts and accusing the president of circumventing environmental protection laws.
Trump has also been criticized for reshaping and redesigning public spaces without any appropriate oversight.
On Monday, October 19, President Trump publicly attacked the federal judge overseeing the case and insisted that his administration has the authority to begin the work immediately.
Trump Announces Renovation
On October 18, the president wrote on his Truth Social platform that renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio had developed a plan with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to turn the East Potomac golf course into a championship facility.
Trump described the existing course as “old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect.” In the post, he said the development would generate significant economic benefits for Washington and promised the facility would remain open to the public.
Reports say the proposed design will replace the existing courses with a single 18-hole championship layout.
The renovation will also add new practice facilities and a clubhouse.
President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud at the Royal Court Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
The Trump administration has not publicly confirmed the project’s cost or how it will be paid for.
Trump Attacks Federal Judge
A day later, Trump said more on Truth Social, addressing U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes’ order requiring the administration to halt further tree removal at the site temporarily.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump again described the golf course as unsafe and suggested that the judge may be “insane.”
“The United States Department of Interior wants to take a terrible and very unsafe golf course, and make it into a great, safe, and prestigious golf course. They have an absolute right to do so. It’s as simple as that!” he said.
“The judge on the case is a crazed lunatic whose courthouse tapes will reveal, maybe insane?”
The president went on to say the judge blocked the tapes and that the “random golfer” who brought legal action against the project has “zero standing.”
“The experts at ‘Interior’ are allowed to do this First Class renovation ‘as of right.’ They do not need approval. Work is scheduled to begin IMMEDIATELY! The finished product will be world-class and bring income and great prestige back to D.C.” he continued.
The dispute grew more heated after National Park Service crews removed more than 400 trees from the property between October 10 and 12.
Lawyers representing the government argued that the removals were necessary and tied to a restoration plan dating back to 2019, not President Trump’s proposed redesign.
Judge Reyes, however, has questioned that explanation and issued an order preventing any further tree felling through October 26.
The Justice Department responded by trying to have the judge removed from the case, accusing her of hostility toward the Trump administration.
Bloomberg Law notes, however, that Reyes rejected that request late Sunday, October 18, calling the administration’s arguments for her disqualification baseless. Reyes is a Joe Biden appointee.
What Happens Now?
The legal battle is far from over, and the president’s plans for the golf course could still face major delays as he tries to push ahead.
The court is now considering whether his administration has complied with federal law.
A hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 19.
Senior officials from the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service are expected to testify on why hundreds of trees were removed from the property and whether the removal was part of prior-planned work or the president’s renovation plans.
Those officials reportedly include acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron and Interior Department Deputy Chief of Staff, Gregory Wischer.
The controversy also goes well beyond the trees, with critics arguing that the proposed championship course could change the character of the historic park’s character and potentially eliminate established walking and cycling routes, the miniature golf course, and other public recreational facilities.
The administration, however, maintains that the course will remain accessible to all Americans.
Still, opponents of the president’s plans fear the development will ultimately make golf far more expensive.
About the Author: Jack Buckby
Jack Buckby is a British researcher and analyst specializing in defense and national security, based in New York. His work focuses on military capability, procurement, and strategic competition, and he produces and edits analysis for policy and defense audiences. He brings extensive editorial experience, with a career output spanning over 1,000 articles at 19FortyFive and National Security Journal, and has previously authored books and papers on extremism and deradicalization.
