Two golfers in Washington, D.C., have filed a lawsuit against the federal government, seeking to halt the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul East Potomac Park, which encompasses a public golf course with more than 100 years of history. The plaintiffs accuse the administration of violating environmental laws and causing pollution at a park listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This legal action represents the latest in a series of challenges aimed at President Donald Trump’s ambitious initiatives to modify public spaces in the nation’s capital. Previous actions include legal disputes over the shuttering of the Kennedy Center and attempts to demolish the East Wing of the White House to create a ballroom, a project projected to cost $400 million.
Trump, known for his passion for golf, is also planning renovations for a military golf course situated just outside Washington, which has been utilized by several past presidents over the years. The lawsuit filed against the Department of the Interior claims that the reconstruction efforts planned for East Potomac Park, which includes the East Potomac Golf Course, threaten to violate the congressional act that established the park in 1897. This foundation was primarily aimed at ensuring "the recreation and the pleasure of the people."
Furthermore, the East Potomac Golf Course is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, notably for its efforts toward racial integration during the 1940s. It is essential to note that municipal golf courses constitute only 18% of courses nationwide. Plaintiff Dave Roberts emphasized the significance of East Potomac Golf Links, stating that it exemplifies the potential of public land and highlights the importance of preserving public spaces for community use, rather than transforming them into exclusive playgrounds for the elite.
The lawsuit follows the Trump administration's decision in December 2020 to terminate a lease agreement held by the nonprofit National Links Trust for East Potomac and two other golf courses in Washington. The Interior Department justified this action by stating that the nonprofit failed to implement necessary capital improvements and did not meet the lease agreement's terms.
In response to the ongoing litigation, the Interior Department stated that it does not comment on pending cases. Nevertheless, they assured that the administration would maintain the courses to ensure they remain "safe, beautiful, open, affordable, enjoyable and accessible" for visitors to Washington, aligning with President Trump's agenda.
Construction activities for the East Potomac course reportedly commenced prior to the lawsuit, and it is noted that the National Parks Service began using the golf course as a dumping ground for debris related to the East Wing's demolition. This has raised alarms about potential contamination of the air, as the materials could harbor harmful substances. Consequently, the plaintiffs are claiming that the administration violated the National Environmental Policy Act by not adequately considering the environmental ramifications of their project.
The National Links Trust expressed their devastation upon the lease's termination, defending their management accomplishments, which included investing $8.5 million in capital improvements and more than doubling rounds played and revenue during their stewardship. They also highlighted that the lease termination jeopardizes hundreds of local jobs. While the nonprofit has agreed to continue managing the courses temporarily, it has indicated that longer-term renovations will cease.
Notably, the history of the East Potomac Park Golf Course dates back to the establishment of its first 18 holes, which were built between 1918 and 1923. The outcome of the current lawsuit and the future of the public golf course remain uncertain as the situation continues to evolve.
