The National Links Trust, which operates several National Park Service-owned golf courses in Washington, D.C., has not renewed its lease for the East Potomac Golf Links, triggering the course’s closure within the next three weeks. The decision follows the Trump administration’s push to renovate the historic public course, located on a peninsula between the Potomac River and Washington Channel, amid ongoing legal disputes.
A federal judge has also limited the administration’s ability to modify the site, requiring 10 days’ notice before any "irreparable changes" are made. The administration had previously cut down more than 400 trees at the course with less than 24 hours’ notice, prompting the court intervention. President Donald Trump has criticized the judge overseeing the case, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, warning in a Truth Social post that she would be "held fully responsible" if anyone is injured due to the course’s condition.
Rep. Jared Huffman, a House Democrat, has called for congressional guardrails to prevent Trump from purchasing the course after federally funded renovations, citing a potential loophole in federal law. The administration has maintained that renovations would begin on November 15, despite legal pushback from groups like the DC Preservation League, which argues the project violates environmental and historic preservation protocols and could drive up tee time prices.
Lease Termination and Closure Timeline
The National Links Trust confirmed it would not renew its lease for East Potomac Golf Links, effectively ending operations at the course. The trust operates multiple National Park Service-owned golf courses in the area and has not provided further details on the decision. The closure is expected to take effect within three weeks, though no official date has been announced.
The lease termination follows legal challenges to the Trump administration’s renovation plans. The DC Preservation League filed a lawsuit arguing that the administration failed to follow required environmental and historic review processes. The group also contends that the renovations could lead to higher costs for public golfers, reducing accessibility.
Legal and Political Responses
Judge Ana Reyes issued an order on October 26 requiring 10 days’ notice before any "irreparable modification" to the site, following the administration’s abrupt tree removal. Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the course "highly dangerous, dilaphatied, and absolutely disgusting," and sharing images he claimed showed hazardous conditions, including gaping holes in protective netting and what he described as "excrement" on a building’s stairwell.
Rep. Huffman’s letter to congressional appropriators highlights concerns that Trump could exploit a loophole allowing the president to purchase federal property after improvements are made with taxpayer funds. Huffman’s office has not responded to requests for further comment. The White House has not publicly addressed Huffman’s proposal or the lease termination.
Administration’s Renovation Plans
The Trump administration has repeatedly stated its intent to begin renovations on November 15, despite the legal and operational hurdles. The project aims to modernize the historic course, which has been in operation since the early 20th century. However, critics argue the renovations prioritize commercial interests over public access and environmental preservation.
The Interior Department has not issued a formal response to the lease termination or the legal rulings, and no timeline for alternative arrangements has been provided. The closure of East Potomac Golf Links marks a significant shift in the management of public golf courses in the nation’s capital, with implications for local golfers and preservation advocates.