Donald Trump's East Potomac Golf Course Plan faces Federal Legal Challenge

President Donald Trump is pursuing a redesign of the historic East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., proposing a single 18‑hole championship course that would expand onto roughly 50 acres of parkland. The plan would eliminate the city’s oldest grove of cherry trees, a 1910 Japanese gift, and remove existing amenities such as a bicycle trail and miniature golf. Environmental and historic‑preservation groups, along with the National Parks Conservation Association, have sued, alleging violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and the 1897 statute that set aside the park for public recreation.

U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes has pressed the administration for firm assurances that work will not proceed until the litigation is resolved. She noted Trump’s social‑media claim that construction could start on Sept. 1 and gave the parties two weeks to draft language preventing “bulldozers… chopping down cherry trees.” Trump has said the revamped course could host major tournaments such as the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. No injunction has been issued yet.