Golfers File Lawsuit to Halt Trump's Overhaul of Historic DC Public Golf Course
Two golfers in Washington, D.C., have initiated legal action against the federal government in a bid to stop the Trump administration from overhauling a public golf course that has stood for more than a century. The lawsuit, filed on Friday, accuses the administration of violating environmental regulations and polluting a park listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Legal Challenges Mount Against Trump's Public Space Projects
This legal complaint represents the latest in a series of courtroom battles challenging President Donald Trump's extensive efforts to leave his imprint on public spaces within the nation's capital. Notably, at the close of last year, a group of preservationists lodged a similar lawsuit aiming to prevent the demolition of the White House's East Wing for a $400 million ballroom project.
Trump, a passionate golfer himself, also intends to renovate a military golf course located just outside Washington, a venue historically frequented by past presidents over many decades.
Allegations of Environmental and Historical Harm
The lawsuit, directed at the Department of the Interior, contends that the administration's reconstruction of East Potomac Park—home to the East Potomac Golf Course—breaches the 1897 congressional act that established the park for the "recreation and the pleasure of the people." This course, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places partly for its role in racial integration during the 1940s, is one of the few municipal golf courses in America, which constitute only 18% of all courses nationwide.
Dave Roberts, a Washington resident and plaintiff, emphasized, "East Potomac Golf Links is a testament to what’s possible with public land and why public spaces matter. It deserves better than becoming a dumping ground for waste and yet another private playground for the privileged and powerful."
Lease Termination and Management Disputes
The legal action follows the Trump administration's decision in December to terminate a lease agreement held by the nonprofit National Links Trust for East Potomac and two other Washington golf courses. The Interior Department cited the nonprofit's failure to implement required capital improvements and meet lease terms as reasons for the termination.
In response, the Interior Department press office stated via email on Friday that it does not comment on pending litigation but affirmed its commitment to "ensure these courses are safe, beautiful, open, affordable, enjoyable and accessible for people visiting the greatest capital city in the world, which is in line with President Trump’s agenda." The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Friday evening.
Environmental Concerns and Construction Progress
According to the lawsuit, construction on the East Potomac course has already commenced. The complaint alleges that in October, the National Parks Service began depositing debris from the White House East Wing demolition onto the golf course, raising fears that contaminants could pollute the air. Consequently, the plaintiffs argue that the administration violated the National Environmental Policy Act by neglecting to assess the project's harmful environmental impacts.
The National Links Trust expressed devastation over the lease termination in December, defending its management by noting that $8.5 million had been invested in capital improvements, with rounds played and revenue more than doubling under their oversight. They warned that the termination threatens hundreds of local jobs. Although the nonprofit will continue managing the courses temporarily, long-term renovations have been halted.
The East Potomac Park Golf Course's first 18 holes were constructed between 1918 and 1923, underscoring its historical significance as a public recreational asset.
