President Donald Trump has announced plans to close East Potomac Golf Course, a historic public golf facility in Washington, D.C., for 15 months beginning November 15, 2026, as part of a proposed renovation intended to transform the property into a premier golf destination.
The announcement has intensified a legal dispute over the future of the 106-year-old municipal course, which provides affordable golfing and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors. Opponents of the project argue that the renovation could threaten public access to an important community resource.
Trump said the proposed improvements would elevate the course to an international standard while keeping it open to the public once the work is completed. He described his ambition to create one of the world’s most spectacular golf courses, with the potential to accommodate major professional competitions, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
The plan faces opposition from the DC Preservation League and two golfers, who have filed a lawsuit challenging the construction. Their legal representatives argue that the project threatens a historic public space intended to serve the wider community.
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which represents the plaintiffs, said the litigation seeks to protect the course and the communities that depend on it.
The dispute has become more contentious following the removal of more than 400 trees from the property. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes criticized federal officials over their handling of the tree removal and questioned why the court had not been adequately informed of the administration’s plans.
The judge subsequently ordered two administration officials to testify about who authorized the work and directed the government not to remove additional trees before October 26, allowing the plaintiffs time to respond.
The administration has argued that the existing course requires substantial repairs, citing deteriorating conditions, hazardous trees and a failing seawall. Trump has maintained that the renovation is necessary to address safety concerns and improve the facility.
The project also raises questions about the balance between upgrading public golf infrastructure and preserving affordable recreational spaces. Supporters of investment in municipal courses may welcome improvements to aging facilities, while critics worry that an ambitious redevelopment could change the character and accessibility of a long-established public course.
East Potomac Golf Course has served Washington-area golfers for more than a century. Its future now rests partly on the outcome of the ongoing legal challenge and the administration’s renovation plans.
As the case develops, the controversy is likely to remain an important discussion point for golf communities nationwide, particularly those concerned with public access, historic preservation and the future of municipal golf.
