A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt construction work on a historic public golf course in Washington DC, yet former president Donald Trump announced on Sunday that renovation would begin on 15 November. The course, known as East Potomac Golf Course, is part of the National Park Service and was established over a century ago.

US District Judge Ana Reyes issued an order last week prohibiting the removal of trees at the site, describing the action as "inexcusable." In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the project would restart and that the course would reopen within approximately 15 months, promising it would become "one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World."

The judge noted Trump’s public statement and required the government to confirm by 8pm ET on Sunday whether its position had shifted from a prior filing in which it claimed Trump had only given "preliminary thought" to the rebuilding plan and that "there is no final agency action."

The White House has not yet responded to inquiries about whether Trump’s announcement conflicts with the court’s directives. The renovation is part of a broader set of initiatives the former president has pursued to alter federal properties, including proposals for a large ballroom at the White House, signage bearing his name at the Kennedy Center, and other alterations to Washington landmarks.

The 106‑year‑old park and golf course has been the focus of multiple emergency hearings as the administration seeks to upgrade the facility. While the course has historically been open to all income levels, critics argue that converting it into a high‑end venue would diminish public access and alter its character.

Democracy Forward, the advocacy group representing plaintiffs who oppose the renovation, issued a statement emphasizing that the site is a national park and recreation area intended for community use. "Our litigation is intended to protect this community jewel for the people and communities it serves and we will continue to work with our plaintiffs to defend it from unlawful and harmful intrusion," said Skye Perryman, the organization’s president and CEO.

The DC Preservation League filed a lawsuit in February alleging that the planned takeover violates environmental statutes and would "irreparably destroy a priceless piece of American history." In a filing dated 9 October, the Trump administration requested that the case be dismissed, arguing that the project remained at an early, conceptual stage. The following day, federal officials removed roughly 500 trees from the site, citing safety improvements and referencing a 2019 plan that predates Trump’s involvement. Judge Reyes subsequently ordered a stop to the tree removal.

Reyes has also mandated testimony from senior administration officials regarding the tree‑cutting activities and their connection to the broader renovation plan. On Friday, the government filed a motion to disqualify Reyes and transfer the case to another judge, claiming that her conduct demonstrated "deep‑seated and unequivocal antipathy" toward the administration. Plaintiffs have opposed this motion.

Judge Reyes was appointed to the federal bench by President Joe Biden in 2023.