Golfers hit fairway shots with a pile of felled trees visible behind them at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, DC, October 13, 2026. A federal judge has ordered a moratorium on tree removal at the East Potomac Golf Course after the Trump administration cut down at least 430 trees.
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President Donald Trump on Sunday announced plans to close and redevelop a historic public golf course in the nation’s capital for 15 months, despite a court challenge to the long-desired renovation.
President Trump posted on social media that he intends to close East Potomac Golf Course, near the White House, starting November 15th and make it “one of the best and most magnificent golf courses in the world.”
But a judge last week reprimanded the government for starting extensive tree removal on the course over a holiday weekend with little notice to the court or the plaintiffs seeking to block the renovation, and ordered a halt to the redevelopment plan until at least October 26.
In his post, President Trump disapproved of the legal battle involving artist renderings for the course redesign.
“Once completed, it will be open to the public and designed for the highest level of golf, capable of hosting world-class tournaments such as the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and Presidents Cup,” Trump wrote.
Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs challenging his renovation plans, responded that the course is part of a national park and a recreational facility for everyone to enjoy.
Skye Perryman, the group’s president and CEO, said in a statement Sunday: “Our lawsuit aims to protect this jewel of our community for its people and community, and we will continue to work with the plaintiffs to protect it from unlawful and harmful intrusions.”
Capital’s transformation extends far beyond the fairways
Trump, a frequent golfer, had already announced plans to renovate the rink as part of a broader push to renovate and renovate facilities around Washington, including the White House and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Courts have challenged many of his projects, including plans for a giant ballroom in the White House, the installation of his own name at the Kennedy Center, and the construction of a giant arch.
October 14, 2026 – Golfers continue to use the East Potomac Golf Course as large tree stumps can be seen after the Trump administration cut down at least 430 trees over the weekend in Washington, DC. A federal judge has ordered a halt to further tree removal at the golf course.
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A number of emergency public hearings have been held as the president seeks to renovate the 106-year-old park and course. The facility is open to Washingtonians of all income levels, but opponents of President Trump’s plan to turn it into an upscale course argue it would change the character of the space and make it more affordable.
In his post, President Trump reiterated claims he has made to justify plans to rebuild the Kennedy Center, arguing that it is in such a dangerous state that it should be closed.
“The current course is old, broken, and dilapidated, with no further use or benefit. It is in very poor condition, with fallen trees, dangerously diseased trees, and, importantly, a collapsed and dangerous seawall,” Trump wrote.
The remains of the East Wing of the White House, which was demolished to make way for his ballroom project, are also dumped on the grounds. The National Park Service said the debris tested positive for lead, chromium and other toxic metals.
President Trump also sought to justify the National Park Service’s removal of hundreds of trees after a judge stopped it, saying in a statement that when the golf course was first built, it was “famous for its treeless landscape, giving everyone a view of Washington, D.C., but now it is completely overgrown, dysfunctional, and unsafe.”
Case returns to court, administration seeks removal of judge
Trump’s posts outlining clear construction plans complicate a federal court hearing scheduled for Monday in a lawsuit brought by the D.C. Preservation Alliance and two golfers opposed to construction.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered key members of the Republican administration to testify about recent tree cuttings and whether those actions are related to the president’s plans for historic public links.
The government on Friday questioned Reyes’ impartiality and called for his removal in the case, citing so-called “egregious” conduct in court over an Oct. 12 emergency hearing. Her frustration boiled over during the three-hour hearing when she slammed government lawyers for not notifying Reyes and the plaintiffs before the trees were cut down.
At a future hearing, the judge is expected to explain her request to leave. Meanwhile, over the weekend, the plaintiffs asked the court to grant a long-term preliminary injunction and/or stay.
