Court filing confirms government will close course as Trump golf project is moving forward

Government confirms planned closure

On Wednesday, the Trump administration filed a legal notice saying the National Park Service will close East Potomac Park south of Buckeye Drive, including the golf course, in line with the president’s directive. The filing marks the first time the government has acknowledged the planned closure. Last week, a federal judge said she did not know whether to believe Trump’s statement that the course would close Nov. 15 for a 15-month renovation or officials’ claims that they knew of no such plan.

Renovation proposal takes shape

The directive calls for changing the 36-hole golf facility into an upscale 18-hole course designed to challenge elite players and host Ryder Cups and major championships. Current fees at the course top out at $48.

The government said it would follow relevant procedural requirements while finalizing and implementing the Fazio plan. With a formal plan nearing delivery, Judge Reyes is likely to rule on its legality.

Trump criticizes current conditions

In a Truth Social post Wednesday evening, Trump described the course as “highly dangerous, dilapidated, and absolutely disgusting.” He singled out the double-decker driving range, citing exposed nails and disintegrating wood. Trump said the goal was a world-class public course affordable for locals, comparing the ambition to Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black.