Judge Allows East Potomac Golf Course Work to Proceed, Warns Against Irreversible Action

The Trump administration planned to close the East Potomac Golf Course on Sunday, with construction and tree clearing to begin Monday. The D.C. Preservation League filed an emergency court order to block the closure, but a federal judge declined to halt the work—while warning the government not to take irreversible actions without notice.

Court Ruling & Key Details

The National Park Service stated that only dead and dangerous trees would be removed, and that routine maintenance would be performed. Judge Ana Reyes said she would give the government the benefit of the doubt that no renovation plans have been finalized, but warned of consequences if major changes occur.

The emergency order was part of a larger lawsuit filed in February 2025 by the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers.

Background: Lease Termination

In December 2025, the Department of the Interior terminated the lease of National Links Trust, which operated East Potomac, Rock Creek, and Langston courses. The termination was based on alleged delays in improvements and unpaid rent—both disputed by National Links Trust CEO Mike McCartin. The group had invested $11 million in improvements and paid $600,000 in rent.

Statements from Key Figures

"We received a notice of default in November of 2025, the notice was two sentences long."
— Mike McCartin, CEO of National Links Trust

McCartin argued that the timeline was driven by the Park Service and that investments offset rent per the lease.

"It's a park that people and communities use and it's heavily utilized. It is available to all people in the community, not just some people or people that you know can sort of afford to be on an exclusive list."
— Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward

Voices from the Community

• Justin, a regular player: "If you raise the prices 50%, a whole bunch of people who could afford this won't be able to afford it."
• Jonathan Davis of Arlington, who has played for 40 years, said he is open to improvements if prices remain the same.
• Mark Ellmore of Alexandria: "We don't need a new golf course. We just need this one."

Future Considerations

Judge Reyes stated that if there are plans to close the course, plaintiffs should have enough time to challenge. An attorney for the Interior Department said any closure is under consideration. The Department of the Interior stated that affordability will remain a focus.

Fundraising proposals suggested turning the course into "Washington National Golf Course," backed by $50 million.