WASHINGTON - U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a temporary restraining order on Nov. 14 blocking the Trump administration from closing Washington's historic East Potomac Park and its public golf course for a planned 15-month redevelopment. The emergency order took effect hours before the 106-year-old facility was scheduled to shut on Nov. 15.
What happened?
Located two miles from the White House, the East Potomac Golf Links faced a 15-month shutdown to convert the municipal venue into what President Donald Trump called a championship-level course. Preservationists and two local golfers sued in February, arguing the overhaul would price out residents. Reyes cited Trump's Oct. 26 social media post announcing the Nov. 15 closure, ruling it showed the administration reached a final decision without required public review.
Why does it matter?
The ruling checks unilateral federal redevelopment of cherished public landmarks in the nation's capital. "Reyes said her order ENJOINS the government from closing East Potomac Park and the East Potomac Golf Course during the daily hours in which they were open as of November 14, 2026," NPR and the Associated Press reported. The Justice Department maintained that the National Park Service may limit access for safety reasons and noted the order does not bar ongoing planning.
What comes next?
The restraining order remains active through Nov. 28 or until further court action, allowing only routine repairs with prior notice. Reyes also plans to appoint former U.S. Attorney Jessie Liu to investigate whether Interior Department, National Park Service, and Justice Department officials misled the court during earlier hearings.
