Trump says DC golf course ‘restoration’ to start despite judge’s order to pause plans

Key points

• Trump said restoration of the East Potomac golf course would begin on 15 November and reopen in about 15 months.
• Judge Ana Reyes ordered the government to say by 8pm ET Sunday whether its position had changed.
• The government removed about 500 trees from the site on 10 October, and Reyes halted further removals.

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday that "restoration work will begin" on 15 November at the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington DC, despite a federal judge's order pausing his plans over environmental and historic preservation concerns. He said the course would reopen in about 15 months and become "one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World", and his post included an artist's rendering of the redesign.

US district judge Ana Reyes ruled earlier this year that the federal government must give notice before substantive construction work at the course, and last week she halted tree removal at the site, calling it "inexcusable". After Trump's post, she ordered the government to notify her by 8pm ET on Sunday whether its position had changed from a Friday court filing stating that Trump had given "at most" "preliminary thought" to the plan and that "there is no final agency action".

Tree removal and court fight

The DC Preservation League sued in February to stop the administration's takeover of the 106-year-old course, alleging it would break environmental laws and "irreparably destroy a priceless piece of American history". The administration asked Reyes on 9 October to dismiss the case as premature; the next day the government removed about 500 trees, saying the work would improve safety and restore the original design under a 2019 plan predating Trump's ambitions.

Reyes halted the removals and ordered key administration members to testify on the tree-cutting and whether it is tied to Trump's plans. On Friday the government moved to disqualify Reyes and move the case to another judge, citing "deep-seated and unequivocal antipathy" and "open hostility"; the plaintiffs oppose the motion. Reyes was appointed by Joe Biden in 2023.

Our litigation is intended to protect this community jewel for the people and communities it serves

— Skye Perryman

Opponents respond

Democracy Forward, which represents the plaintiffs, said the course is part of a national park and recreation facility meant for everyone. Skye Perryman, the group's president and CEO, said its litigation aims to protect "this community jewel" and that it will keep defending the course from "unlawful and harmful intrusion". Opponents argue a high-end course would change the character of the space and make it less affordable.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Trump's announcement conflicts with Reyes's directives. The renovation is one of several Trump projects to reshape Washington landmarks, including a White House ballroom, his name on the Kennedy Center and a large arch, which have been challenged in court.