By — Gary Fields, Associated Press Gary Fields, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/judge-temporarily-blocks-trump-from-moving-ahead-on-d-c-public-golf-course-redevelopment Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Judge temporarily blocks Trump from moving ahead on D.C. public golf course redevelopment Politics Nov 15, 2026 11:20 AM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Saturday ordered a two-week delay to any work at a historic Washington public golf course not far from the White House, blocking for now President Donald Trump's push to redevelop the site along the Potomac River into a championship-level venue. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued the temporary restraining order before the East Potomac Golf Links was due to close Sunday for 15 months. Trump had announced work would begin that day despite the legal challenge initiated against the project in February by the DC Preservation League and two local golfers. READ MORE: Judge wants former U.S. attorney to investigate whether the government misled her in Trump golf case The plaintiffs argue that Trump's plan would change the character of the accessible golf course…
Judge temporarily blocks Trump from moving ahead on D.C. public golf course redevelopment
In short
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a temporary restraining order delaying the scheduled 15-month closure of the East Potomac Golf Links through November 28, 2026, or until a further ruling. The legal challenge, initiated in February by the DC Preservation League alongside two local golfers, gained traction after the president's social media posts indicated the redevelopment plan was already final. While standard operating hours must be maintained to keep the course open to the public, federal officials retain permission to perform necessary site repairs.
Key points
- The court order prevents the government from closing the public golf course during standa…: The court order prevents the government from closing the public golf course during standard daily operating hours but allows necessary repairs.
- The Justice Department maintained that the temporary order does not halt ongoing planning…: The Justice Department maintained that the temporary order does not halt ongoing planning for the golf course development project.
- The disputed course overhaul is part of a larger initiative to reshape Washington that in…: The disputed course overhaul is part of a larger initiative to reshape Washington that includes a memorial arch, a White House ballroom, and Kennedy Center updates.