East Potomac Golf Course to Close 15 Months as Trump Sets Nov. 15 Start

The public East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., would close for about 15 months under a plan President Trump announced Sunday, with construction set to start Nov. 15. According to CBS News, Trump made the announcement even though a lawsuit challenging the overhaul is still pending in federal court.

Trump posted the plan on Truth Social and did not mention the legal challenge, CBS News reported. He said the course would stay open to the public once rebuilt, but would also be designed to host major tournaments.

What the plan includes

Trump said the Department of the Interior, under Secretary Doug Burgum and working with golf course architect Tom Fazio, has developed a plan for a "World Class Championship Golf Course" on the site. He said it would be built to host events such as the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup.

He also described the project as a strong economic opportunity for the District that would create many jobs. He did not give figures in the post, according to CBS News.

Trump painted the current course in harsh terms. He called it broken and dilapidated, said its trees were dangerous and diseased, and said its seawall was collapsing and hazardous. He said the site was originally known for having no trees but has since become overgrown and unsafe.

Why it matters for golfers and local residents

For people who play or use the East Potomac course, the practical effect is a closure. Trump said the course will be shut for roughly 15 months, starting with construction on Nov. 15, until the new course opens. He said the reopened course would remain open to the public, though he did not describe what access or pricing would look like.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit describe the site as a public recreation space and argue it is being converted into a high-end golf course. The administration disputes that framing through Trump's statement, which says the course will stay public while also being built for championship play.

The court fight so far

The announcement came less than a week after a judicial order limiting work at the site. CBS News reported that hundreds of trees were cut down at the course the weekend before that order.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled that, through Oct. 16, the administration could not make any irreparable change to the course without giving the court and the plaintiffs three business days' notice. The plaintiffs are the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers.

In response to the order, the plaintiffs' attorneys accused the administration of repeatedly trying to avoid the law in a rush to turn a public space into a high-end course. They said the order would stop further irreparable harm to a public resource and that they would keep seeking more lasting relief.

What happens next

Trump's stated start date is Nov. 15. The lawsuit remains pending, and the plaintiffs say they are pursuing longer-term court protection. CBS News did not report whether the administration responded to the plaintiffs' statement or whether the judge has scheduled further proceedings.

Source: CBS News