Trump to Close East Potomac Golf Course for 15-Month Renovation Amid Legal Fight
Quick Answer: President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Washington, D.C.’s East Potomac Golf Links will close on November 15 for roughly 15 months of renovations. He wants a championship-caliber redesign with golf architect Tom Fazio — even as a federal judge has halted work on the site until at least October 26.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on Sunday that he intends to close the historic East Potomac Golf Links starting November 15 and redevelop it over about 15 months, despite an ongoing court challenge.
Trump said golf architect Tom Fazio had planned “a World Class Championship Golf Course” for the site that “will be open to the Public” while designed to host “World Class Tournaments such as the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup.”
He called the current course “old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect,” citing “falling, dangerous, and disease infested trees and, importantly, a collapsing and hazardous seawall.” The course first opened in 1921, he noted.
Key Takeaways
- Trump says East Potomac Golf Links closes November 15 for about 15 months.
- A Tom Fazio-led redesign aims at a championship-caliber course able to host majors.
- A federal judge halted work until at least October 26; the DC Preservation League is suing.
The legal fight behind the announcement
The announcement came days after U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said she was “furious” that National Park Service workers had cut down 430 trees at the course on October 10 — with about 300 more planned — while giving the court and plaintiffs little notice. “More than being upset and furious right now, I am just deeply disappointed in the government,” she told federal lawyers, ordering work halted until at least October 26.
The DC Preservation League sued the administration earlier this year, arguing the project raised environmental concerns and exceeded Trump’s authority. The group said Sunday it would keep working to protect the course from “unlawful and harmful intrusion.”
Why the East Potomac course matters
The East Potomac facility, not far from the White House, has served Washingtonians for more than a century with affordable public green fees. Critics argue a high-end redesign will alter its character and price out ordinary golfers. Whether the November 15 closure proceeds on schedule is uncertain: the judge’s halt runs until at least October 26 and the lawsuit remains active. In related news, Katie Zacharia exited as press secretary this week, while a new poll put Trump’s approval at 34 percent ahead of the midterms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Trump closing East Potomac Golf Course?
Trump calls the century-old course “old, broken, dilapidated” and in “very poor condition.” He wants a 15-month, Tom Fazio-led renovation to build “one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World.”
When will East Potomac Golf Course reopen?
The closure starts November 15 and should last about 15 months, pointing to a reopening around February 2028 — though the legal fight could change the timeline.
Will East Potomac stay open to the public?
Trump says the finished course “will be open to the Public” while meeting championship standards. Critics worry a high-end redesign will price out ordinary golfers.
Why did a judge halt work at the course?
Judge Ana Reyes stopped work until at least October 26 after 430 trees were cut on October 10. She said the government gave the court and plaintiffs little notice during active litigation.
Sources: Associated Press, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, PBS.
