DOJ says government developing plan to close historic D.C. golf course after Trump orders

Key Points:

• The Department of the Interior is planning to close East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., by November 15 for a redesign, following President Trump's announcements on Truth Social about overhauling the historic course.
• The Trump administration faces ongoing legal challenges from a local preservation group and golfers over the proposed renovation, with a federal judge temporarily blocking tree removal after over 500 trees were cut down.
• U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes criticized the Justice Department for contradicting President Trump's claims about the absence of a closure plan, highlighting tensions between court testimony and the president's public statements.
• The Justice Department has appealed the judge's order preventing tree removal, and a court hearing is scheduled soon to determine the case's next steps; plaintiffs have not yet requested a block on the course closure itself.
• President Trump announced that the redesigned course, developed with golf architect Tom Fazio, aims to be a "World Class Championship Golf Course" and is expected to reopen about 15 months after closure.