The Trump administration abruptly took over East Potomac Golf Links, Washington's busiest public golf course, citing routine maintenance and tree work as justification.
The Interior Department provided no advance notice to National Links Trust, the nonprofit operator, or explanation to golfers and city officials, as reported by the Washington Post.
Course operations experts dismissed the maintenance claim as implausible, noting the 124-year-old facility's three separate tracks allow isolated work without full closure. Democracy Forward filed an emergency motion Sunday, with U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes scheduling a Monday hearing.
The takeover follows the December cancellation of National Links Trust's 50-year lease.
Court documents reveal the administration seeks $150 million for renovations to transform the course into a championship venue. Fundraising renderings show potential expansion replacing park open space, raising concerns about reduced public access for cyclists, runners, and picnickers.
An ongoing lawsuit alleges violations of environmental and historic preservation laws, including an 1897 statute requiring the land serve as "a park for the recreation and pleasure of the people."
Watch the video below.
This browser does not support the video element.