The Department of the Interior is preparing to close East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., by November 15. This follows President Trump’s announcement that the historic course will temporarily close for a redesign.
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward confirmed in a court filing that plans are underway to implement the closure. Trump’s remarks, shared on Truth Social, cited reasons for the closure as competitive, safety, modernization, and aesthetic enhancements.
The Trump administration has been engaged in a legal dispute with a local preservation group and two golfers. The conflict involves the proposed renovation of East Potomac, a public course that has operated since 1920. Despite no finalized proposal for redesign, Trump announced collaboration with golf-course architect Tom Fazio and the Interior Department to create a world-class championship course at East Potomac.
The existing course is projected to close in mid-November, with a reopening planned in roughly 15 months. This announcement coincided with U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes’ temporary order blocking further tree removal at the course following extensive tree cutting.
Judge Reyes extended an order preventing further tree damage while litigation is active. The action was prompted by arguments that tree removal indicated a broader plan for the course’s overhaul. Woodward’s statements during a court hearing suggested there was no formalized plan to close the course, creating a conflict between presidential statements and government testimony.
This situation has escalated beyond golf, as noted by Reyes. The court must now address discrepancies between Trump’s statements and Justice Department assertions.
The Justice Department has appealed Reyes’ ruling. A court hearing is anticipated soon to determine the case’s progression. As of now, plaintiffs in the lawsuit have not moved to block the course’s closure and redesign plans.