A recent ruling by a federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s plans to close East Potomac Park, including its golf course, to the public. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes determined that the park must remain accessible as ongoing litigation concerning its closure unfolds.
The administration had intended to shutter the park, which encompasses both East Potomac and Hains Point, starting Sunday, arguing that repairs were necessary for public safety, particularly concerning a seawall. However, Judge Reyes disagreed, asserting that closing the park would lead to “irreparable harm” to those who utilize it, particularly members of the Washington, D.C., Preservation League, who regularly visit the site.
In her ruling, Reyes emphasized that the park’s closure was contrary to public interest and noted that the government failed to adequately demonstrate potential harm it would face from a temporary restraining order that would maintain the park’s current status. She stated, “It runs counter to the public interest in utilizing national parkland,” reinforcing her decision that the park should remain open except for brief, routine cease operations for maintenance or urgent safety concerns.
Although her order does not compel the administration to continue operating the golf course, which includes amenities like a concession stand and pro shop, it clearly states that the absence of golf operations cannot be used as grounds to restrict public access. Reyes voiced skepticism regarding the administration’s claims about imminent safety threats, particularly following the swift removal of 400 trees from the area by the National Park Service, which she characterized as “bad faith.”
Reyes argued, “If public safety were at risk, NPS would have taken a step—any step—to address the safety issues it knew about,” pointing to their prompt response to cut down the trees rather than addressing safety issues. Meanwhile, President Trump had criticized the area, referring to it as “trash island” shortly before the ruling, asserting that plans were in place to improve it dramatically.
During a contentious hearing prior to the ruling, federal government attorney Adam Gustafson advocated that the closure plan was a separate action from Trump’s assertions about transforming the golf course into a championship-style facility. Trump had announced his vision for the golf course on Truth Social earlier this month, highlighting his ambition to revamp not only this site but other Washington landmarks during his term.
Despite the court’s decision, a spokesperson for the Justice Department maintained that the ruling would not impede future development of the golf course, reinforcing the notion that the National Park Service retains the authority to limit access if public safety is at stake. The spokesperson stated, “Nothing in the Court’s order precludes planning for the development of a world-class golf course to continue.”
