Trump’s Golf Course Plan Faces Legal Challenge
A lawsuit spearheaded by the DC Preservation League and two local golfers claims that President Donald Trump’s initiative to transform the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., into a championship-level course with pricier tee times breaches environmental and historic preservation statutes.
Filed last Friday in a federal district court, the suit seeks to halt the ongoing implementation of the plan. Allegedly, the National Park Service (NPS) has deposited 30,000 cubic yards of fill on the course, which includes potentially hazardous materials like wires, pipes, and bricks from the recent demolition of the White House’s East Wing. The complaint points out that experts suspect the East Wing contained asbestos and lead paint.
Injunction Requested
The plaintiffs are asking for an injunction that would compel the government to remove the materials already laid on the course and stop any further additions of “dirt, debris, or other refuse.” East Potomac, which opened in 1920, is a public course recognized for its cultural significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The plaintiffs argue that the course is meant to be “broadly accessible” to the public at reasonable fees.
The NPS oversees the land hosting the course. In 2020, the NPS entered into a 50-year lease with the National Links Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting affordable golf. However, the Interior Department recently informed National Links Trust that it was terminating the lease, citing reasons such as alleged failure to carry out capital improvements and back rent issues, which the Trust disputes.
Plaintiffs’ Concerns
The lawsuit is led by the DC Preservation League, aimed at protecting historic properties in Washington, D.C. Joining the league are two local residents, Dave Roberts and Alex Dickson, both regular players at East Potomac, who claim that the course’s impending transformation would adversely affect their interests.
The plaintiffs assert that the Interior Department’s actions are part of a broader effort by President Trump to reshape public spaces in Washington, D.C. The proposed Washington National Golf Course would mirror other upscale courses owned by Trump, leading to concerns that tee time prices would dramatically increase.
Accessibility Issues
The complaint emphasizes affordability, pointing out that a weekend round at East Potomac currently costs $48, significantly lower than other local courses. For example, a round at nearby Laurel Hill Golf Club is $89, with many D.C.-area courses charging between $70 to $110. The plaintiffs also highlight that private courses often come with substantial initiation fees and membership costs, further complicating accessibility.
Legal Framework and Challenges
The legal issues center around procedural concerns, with the Interior Department accused of failing to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The plaintiffs argue that the Interior Department neglected legal processes necessary to assess and mitigate environmental impacts. The NEPA mandates an environmental impact statement for proposed projects, while the NHPA requires evaluation of changes to historic sites.
The Interior Department has chosen not to comment on the pending litigation but is expected to defend its decision, claiming that the plan to upgrade the course is within its discretionary authority. Ultimately, the court’s focus will be on whether the agency followed appropriate procedures in the decision-making process.
