Justice Department Reporter Jake Rosen’s Report on East Potomac Golf Links Closure

The Department of the Interior is planning to close East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. by November 15, following President Trump’s announcements of a temporary closure for redesign. Senior Justice Department officials discussed this development on Wednesday.

Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward mentioned in a brief filing with the U.S. district court that Mr. Trump’s statements were shared on Truth Social. The purpose of the closure, as the president noted, was for improvements in competition, safety, modernization, and aesthetics.

“Accordingly, Interior, acting through counsel, is working to develop a plan to implement that direction and will provide this Court with notice,” Woodward stated.

The Trump administration has been engaged in a legal battle with a local preservation group and two golfers concerning the potential overhaul of East Potomac. The public course has been open since 1920.

While officials mention that there is no concrete proposal yet for redesign, the president announced earlier that the Interior Department, along with Tom Fazio, a golf-course architect, had crafted a plan to create a world-class championship golf course at East Potomac. The current course is set to close on November 15, with the new design expected to be completed in about 15 months.

This announcement by Mr. Trump followed a temporary order from U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes. Reyes halted the Trump administration from further tree removal at the course after more than 500 trees were cut down one weekend.

Judge Reyes continued to block any further removal or damage of trees at the site, amid ongoing litigation. The plaintiffs argued this tree felling was an element of the Trump administration’s new course plans, and the judge supported this view.

Reyes highlighted in her decision that it is unusual for the United States Department of Justice to advise a federal court not to accept statements made by the sitting President. She pointed out the discrepancy between Mr. Trump’s posts on a course overhaul and government testimony stating no closure plans existed.

“This started as a case about golf. That good walk spoiled,” Reyes remarked, adding that it now involves reconciling President Donald J. Trump’s statements with testimonies from government employees and DOJ attorneys.

The Justice Department has appealed Reyes’ decision. A court hearing is anticipated soon to determine the next steps in this case.

So far, the plaintiffs have not requested Reyes to halt the closure or revamp of the course.