Judge Blocks Trump's DC Golf Course Closure: What Happens Next
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from closing East Potomac Park's golf course, keeping the historic public course open through November 28.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Tim Evanson
Washington, Nov. 15 — A federal judge on Saturday blocked the Trump administration from closing East Potomac Park and its historic public golf course, hours before a planned 15-month shutdown for renovation into a championship venue.
U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes issued a temporary restraining order keeping the park and the East Potomac Golf Links open during the hours they operated as of Saturday, Nov. 14. The order runs through Nov. 28, 2026, or until the court issues a further order. President Donald Trump had announced the course would close on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Key Takeaways
- Judge Ana C. Reyes blocked the closure of East Potomac Park and its golf course hours before a planned 15-month shutdown.
- The order keeps the park open through Nov. 28, 2026, but does not require the government to run the course.
- Judge Reyes found the closure appeared designed to start work on a new Fazio course, rejecting the safety explanation.
- The ruling is the latest court setback for President Trump's plans to reshape Washington's historic public spaces.
Why Did Judge Ana Reyes Block the East Potomac Golf Course Closure?
Judge Reyes wrote in a 30-page order that "President Trump directed this closure for one reason: so that work could begin on a new Fazio Design to replace the current East Potomac Golf Course." She ruled after a five-hour hearing on Friday. Justice Department lawyer Adam Gustafson argued the nearly 400-acre park had to close because of safety concerns, including a failing seawall. Judge Reyes rejected that explanation, noting safety had not been part of the discussion for months and that ending the park's operating lease looked like a pretext for the shutdown.
What Is the Trump Administration's Plan for East Potomac Park?
Under the plan, the course's 36 holes would be replaced by a single 18-hole championship layout designed by golf architect Tom Fazio. Trump announced on Oct. 26 that the site would close Nov. 15 to renovate and rebuild for competitive, safety, modernisation and aesthetic reasons. He has called the course "Trash Island" and said a rebuilt course could attract the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup.
The plaintiffs — the DC Preservation League and two local golfers, who sued in February — argue the plan would change the character of an affordable public course and price out ordinary players. Trump denies that. The case is DC Preservation League v. Department of the Interior, No. 1:26-cv-00477. An earlier Oct. 13 injunction bars tree removal and requires 10 business days' notice before changes. The administration has said it would appeal.
When Will East Potomac Golf Course Close? Key Dates and Next Steps
The park, about two miles from the White House, includes three golf courses, a miniature course, bike lanes and picnic areas. The order requires them to stay open to the public, but does not order the government to manage the site.
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| Oct. 13, 2026 | Judge Reyes issues a preliminary injunction barring tree removal |
| Oct. 26, 2026 | Trump announces the course will close Nov. 15 |
| Nov. 14, 2026 | Judge Reyes issues a temporary restraining order after a five-hour hearing |
| Nov. 28, 2026 | Temporary restraining order expires unless the court extends it |
Related coverage: a federal appeals court blocked the Trump administration from withholding New York highway funds, Stephen Miller became White House chief of staff, and Trump scrapped tariffs on coffee, beef and other food imports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Potomac Golf Course open today?
Yes. The temporary restraining order issued on Saturday, Nov. 14, keeps the park and golf course open during the hours they operated as of that date, through Nov. 28, 2026, unless the court extends it.
Why does President Trump want to close East Potomac Golf Course?
Trump says the park needs renovation for competitive, safety, modernisation and aesthetic reasons, and a rebuilt course could host the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. Judge Reyes found the closure appeared intended to start work on a new Fazio design.
Who sued to stop the East Potomac Park closure?
The DC Preservation League and two local golfers filed suit in February 2026, arguing the redevelopment would change the character of an affordable public course and make it unaffordable. The case is DC Preservation League v. Department of the Interior.
What happens after November 28, 2026?
The temporary restraining order expires on Nov. 28 unless Judge Reyes extends it. The underlying lawsuit continues, and the administration has said it would appeal the earlier preliminary injunction.
