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 of redevelopment.

Trump's vision for the course

Trump said 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.”

Judge halts redevelopment plans

A judge last week ordered a halt to Trump's redevelopment plans until at least October twenty-sixth after criticizing the government for removing trees over a holiday weekend with little notice.

Trump's justification for closure

Trump wrote the current course is old, broken, dilapidated, with falling dangerous disease infested trees and a collapsing hazardous seawall requiring immediate closure and renovation.

“The current Course is old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect. It is in very poor condition, with falling, dangerous, and disease infested trees and, importantly, a collapsing and hazardous seawall.”

Opposition to the redevelopment

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 and we will continue to work with our plaintiffs to defend it from unlawful and harmful intrusion.”

Judge questions Trump's announcement

The judge ordered the government to notify her by eight pm EDT Sunday whether its position changed from a Friday filing claiming Trump had only given preliminary thought to the plan.

Administration seeks to remove judge

The administration asked Friday for Judge Ana Reyes to be replaced, questioning her impartiality and citing egregious behavior after she criticized the government's lack of notification before tree removal.

Court hearing scheduled for Monday

A federal court hearing is scheduled for Monday where Judge Reyes will address the request to step aside and consider plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction or stay.