Trump announces golf course closure

President Trump posted on social media Sunday announcing plans to close East Potomac Golf Course starting November fifteen for fifteen months to redevelop it into one of the best golf courses in the world.

“one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World”

Judge halts tree removal work

A judge last week ordered a halt to redevelopment plans until at least October twenty-six after the government started large scale tree removal over a holiday weekend with little notice to the court or plaintiffs.

Trump's vision for the course

Trump wrote the redesigned course will be open to the public and designed to host world class tournaments including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.

“When completed, it will be open to the Public while, at the same time, designed to the Highest Level of Golf and able to hold World Class Tournaments such as the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup”

Preservation group defends public access

Democracy Forward, representing plaintiffs challenging the renovation, said the course is a community jewel meant for everyone and they will defend it from unlawful intrusion.

“Our litigation is intended to protect this community jewel for the people and communities it serves”

Judge questions government's position

The judge ordered the government to clarify by eight pm EDT Sunday whether its position had changed from a Friday filing saying Trump had only given preliminary thought to the plan with no final agency…

Course condition and broader renovations

Trump argued the one hundred six year old course is old, broken and dilapidated with dangerous trees and a collapsing seawall. He is also renovating the White House, Kennedy Center and other Washington landmarks.

“The current Course is old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect”

Court hearing and judge removal request

A federal court hearing is scheduled for Monday with U.S.District Judge Ana Reyes.The administration asked Friday for Reyes to be replaced, questioning her impartiality after she criticized the government's lack of notification about tree cutting.

Plaintiffs seek stronger court protection

Over the weekend, plaintiffs asked the judge to grant a more long standing preliminary injunction or a stay in the case.