Trump says East Potomac Golf Links work starts despite federal pause
Trump Declares November 15 Start Date for East Potomac Golf Links Work Despite Federal Pause
US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that restoration work on the historic East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, will begin on November 15, directly contradicting a federal judge’s order to halt major changes at the 106-year-old public property.
Judge Halts Tree Removal at Golf Course Site
US District Judge Ana Reyes ruled earlier this year that the federal government must provide advance notice before any substantive construction work can proceed on the course. Last week, Reyes issued an order explicitly halting the removal of trees at the site, condemning the tree-clearing actions as “inexcusable.” The judicial scrutiny follows a sudden October 10 operation where approximately 500 trees were removed. The administration defended that action by claiming it was part of a 2019 safety and restoration plan predating Trump’s redesign ambitions. On Friday, government attorneys filed a motion to disqualify Reyes, alleging her actions demonstrated deep-seated antipathy toward the administration. Reyes was appointed to the federal bench by Joe Biden in 2023.
DC Preservation League Sues to Protect Public Park
The DC Preservation League initiated a lawsuit in February to stop the administration’s takeover, arguing that the overhaul violates environmental laws and threatens a priceless piece of American history. Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs, maintains that the park is intended for public recreation across all income levels. Skye Perryman, the president and CEO of Democracy Forward, stated that their litigation is designed to protect a vital community jewel from unlawful intrusion. Opponents assert that turning the public links into a high-end course will alter the character of the space and diminish affordability for local residents.
Court Orders Government to Clarify Project Legal Standing
Following Trump’s online announcement regarding the November 15 start date, Reyes ordered the government to clarify by 8 PM Eastern on Sunday whether its legal standing had shifted from an October 9 court filing. That filing had asserted that the project remained at an early, conceptual stage and that no final agency action had been taken. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding whether the newly announced construction timeline conflicts with ongoing court directives. Meanwhile, litigation continues as legal teams prepare for further hearings on the administration’s tree-clearing actions and the overarching redevelopment plans.
The 106-year-old park and golf course previously operated as an affordable public recreation site for Washingtonians of all income levels.
