A lawsuit was filed Friday seeking to halt the Trump administration’s plans to overhaul three public golf courses in Washington, D.C., according to court documents.
The legal challenge comes after the administration canceled a lease held by the National Links Trust late last year, a move that paved the way for a potential redesign of the courses. The courses in question are East Potomac Golf Course, Langston Golf Course, and Carter Barron Golf Course.
The lawsuit specifically targets the administration’s intentions for East Potomac, located near the National Mall, where plans reportedly involve transforming the course into a “professional-level” facility. Concerns have been raised that such renovations could dramatically alter the character and affordability of the course, potentially displacing long-time users.
Langston Golf Course, one of the three courses affected, holds particular significance as a historic course built during segregation for Black golfers. Devotees of Langston are apprehensive about the future of the course following the Trump administration’s decision to abandon a previously agreed-upon renovation plan led by a nonprofit group. The original deal, established in 2020, aimed to modernize the course while preserving its historical integrity.
Mike Smith, a 75-year-aged golfer who has frequented Langston for decades, expressed fears that the course could be demolished, leaving only a historical marker to commemorate its legacy within the Black community. “It was ours,” Smith said, reflecting the sentiment of many who view the course as a vital part of the city’s African American history.
The lawsuit seeks to prevent the administration from proceeding with its overhaul plans, arguing that the changes would negatively impact public access to affordable golf and erase a significant piece of the city’s cultural heritage. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has discussed the possibilities of transforming East Potomac, but details regarding the scope and funding of the proposed renovations remain unclear.
As of Friday, the Trump administration had not issued a formal response to the lawsuit. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks, with the outcome potentially determining the future of these historic public golf courses.
