Trump Directs Justice Department to Close East Potomac Golf Course by Nov. 15

The Justice Department has formally confirmed the plan to close East Potomac Park south of Buckeye Drive on Nov. 15.

The closure includes the golf course and aligns with the directive issued by President Donald Trump. A filing submitted late Wednesday outlines the specific steps the administration will take to execute this change.

The timeline for the closure began on Oct. 18. On that date, President Trump posted on social media that the park would close for 15 months to become a world-class facility. His announcement triggered a lawsuit filed by the DC Preservation League and two individual golfers. The legal dispute led to a hearing where officials from the Interior and Justice Departments testified that they were unaware of the closure plans. On Oct. 26, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction. The order bars the government from removing or damaging more trees at the course. It also requires the agency to provide 10 days' written notice before making any irreversible modifications to the site while the case remains active.

The next steps are scheduled for the immediate future. On Friday, Oct. 30, the National Park Service will submit a rendering by designer Tom Fazio to the National Capital Planning Commission. The filing describes the design as a championship-level course capable of hosting major events like the U.S. Open. The planning commission is set to review the plan at its Dec. 3 meeting.

On Nov. 15, the Park Service will close the park area south of Buckeye Drive. The National Links Trust, which currently operates the course, has signed a new lease with the Park Service. Under the terms of this lease, the trust will stop operating East Potomac Golf Course at the close of business on or before Nov. 15. The company will continue to run two other public courses.

Judge Reyes has ordered Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. to appear in court on Friday. He must be accompanied by a representative from the Interior Department Solicitor's Office who has prior experience with the case. The judge is seeking clarification on whether a formal plan exists for the Nov. 15 closure.

President Trump responded to the legal proceedings on Truth Social on Wednesday night. He described the course as highly dangerous and dilapidated. He stated that Judge Reyes would be held responsible for any injuries or deaths at the site. He also claimed that local golfers would be pleased by the renovation.

This project is one of several changes the administration is making to Washington's historic landscape. Other projects include a White House ballroom, a large arch, and a garden in West Potomac Park. Judge Tanya Chutkan will hear a motion to halt construction of the arch at Memorial Circle on Friday. The administration has suggested construction could begin as early as Nov. 5, pending approval.