Trump defies Judge’s order on DC Golf Course renovation; vows to proceed as planned
WASHINGTON, DC: Hours after US district court judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction restricting work on the public East Potomac golf course, , President Donald Trump pledged to proceed with plans to close the course for renovations on schedule despite the court ruling.
The contentious battle between conservationists and Trump came to limelight earlier this month when judge Reyes rebuked government attorney for claiming they were unaware that trees had been removed from the park.
Reyes told them that “ignorance is not an excuse,” as she demanded accountability for the tree removal and questioned why the court had not been notified in advance, as previously directed.
Trump says renovation plans will proceed despite court order
In a Truth Social post late Monday, Oct 26, the president said “we are closing the East Potomac Golf Course Site as scheduled” on Nov. 15. He argued that a judge “does not have the Constitutional Right to ‘ask for or receive notices,’” describing the requirements as time-consuming, unnecessary, expensive and unconstitutional.
“We will immediately appeal this decision,” Trump said. He added that, once completed, the course would be open to the public, with reduced rates for Washington, DC, residents, and would be “one of the finest anywhere in the World.”
Trump’s post came hours after Reyes issued a preliminary injunction requested by a preservationist group and local golfers. The order bars the administration from removing or damaging additional trees, subject to a public-safety exception, and requires advance written notice before certain major or irreversible changes to the course and park.
Trump aims to transform historic public course into championship venue
Trump has brought in leading golf course architect Tom Fazio for the project, which would turn DCs most widely used public golf course into an 18-hole championship-length course. Trump hopes the new course could attract professional tournaments to downtown Washington.
The proposed redesign could also affect existing walking and cycling routes around the park, raising concerns among preservationists and local residents about public access and the project's environmental impact.
“The Development of this World Championship Public Facility must begin, immediately, if it is to be completed in a timely and seasonal manner,” Trump wrote in his post.
“To have to give advanced notices to a judge who has no expertise in Golf, Architecture, Landscaping, Construction, or anything else having to do with building such a World Class Project, is not fair, appropriate, or Constitutional.”
The case stems from President Donald Trump’s ambition to transform East Potomac Golf Links into an exclusive, championship-caliber golf course capable of hosting major professional tournaments.
