DOJ Concedes to Trump’s East Potomac Golf Closure After Legal Back-and-Forth

Key points

• Justice Department lawyers admitted to the court that the National Park Service signed a new lease with the National Links Trust, relinquishing management of the East Potomac course by November 15.
• The closure aligns with President Trump’s social media announcements, contradicting earlier sworn testimony from administration officials who claimed no closure plans existed.
• Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction halting further tree removal after finding discrepancies between presidential statements and official testimony.
• The administration will submit a Tom Fazio-designed championship course plan to the National Capital Planning Commission on October 30 for a December 3 meeting.
• Rep. Jared Huffman proposed spending restrictions to block federal funds from being used for the golf course redesign or land transfers to Trump entities.

Background

The dispute began in 2025 when the administration ended a 2020 lease with the National Links Trust, citing unpaid fees, though the nonprofit argued payments were offset by approved improvements. The 106-year-old course, which offers views of the Washington Monument, has faced legal challenges from preservation groups and local golfers. Recent conflicts escalated after the administration cut over 400 trees, which officials initially described as routine maintenance unrelated to the renovation.

How outlets are covering it

Politico and ABC News report that the Justice Department’s admission marks a significant reversal, as lawyers previously told Judge Reyes there were no plans to close the course. The Washington Post highlights congressional opposition, noting Rep. Jared Huffman’s push to block taxpayer funding for the project. While the administration cites safety hazards from a deteriorating seawall to justify closure, critics argue the move is part of Trump’s broader ambition to leave an architectural legacy in Washington, including a proposed triumphal arch and White House ballroom. Trump has publicly blamed Judge Reyes for any injuries at the course, calling it 'dangerous' and 'dilapidated,' while the administration insists the renovation will benefit long-time golfers.

Why it matters

The closure of a historic public space in the nation’s capital highlights tensions between executive authority and judicial oversight. The legal battle sets a precedent for how the administration handles controversial infrastructure projects, particularly those involving public lands and environmental concerns. Congressional efforts to restrict funding could further delay or alter the project’s scope.

What to watch

The National Park Service will submit the Fazio design to the National Capital Planning Commission on October 30, with a decision expected at a December 3 meeting. Judge Reyes has ordered an Interior Department lawyer to testify on the timeline of presidential orders. The administration must provide 10 days’ written notice before any irreversible modifications to the course while the lawsuit is active.