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Trump announces plans to close, renovate DC golf course amid lawsuit

A federal judge ordered a halt to tree cutting, and the government has moved to disqualify her; a hearing is set for Monday.

Updated Oct 20, 2026 · 02:07 UTC8 reports

Latest update: Judge Ana Reyes ordered the government to clarify its position following Donald Trump's announcement, while the administration moved to disqualify the judge from the case.

The short version

  • Trump announced that renovations to the East Potomac Golf Links will begin Nov. 15, closing the course for about 15 months.[NPR]
  • A D.C. preservation group and two individuals challenged the planned changes in February, citing concerns about public access and costs.[NPR]
  • Judge Ana Reyes ordered a halt to tree cutting; the government has moved to disqualify her, accusing her of bias, and a hearing is set for Monday.[NPR]
  • The government says about 500 trees were removed to improve safety under a 2019 plan.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • Trump announced on Sunday that renovations to the East Potomac Golf Links will begin Nov. 15 and the course will be closed for about 15 months.[NPR]
  • In February, a D.C. preservation group and two individuals challenged the Interior Department and the National Park Service over the planned renovations.[NPR]
  • U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered the administration to stop cutting down trees at the park.[NPR]
  • The administration filed a motion seeking to disqualify Judge Reyes, accusing her of bias.[NPR]
  • The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday.[NPR]
  • The government says it removed about 500 trees from the site to improve safety and restore the original design under a 2019 plan that predates Trump's ambitions for the course.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • The outcome of the disqualification motion and Monday's hearing is unknown.[NPR]
  • The government's safety and 2019-plan rationale for removing about 500 trees is its own account and has not been independently verified in the reporting.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.