Story perspectives

Judge Bars East Potomac Golf Links Renovation Until Oct. 26

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 2:39 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Closes Golf Links

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the closure of East Potomac Golf Links for renovation.
Construction will begin on Nov. 15 and last roughly 15 months.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum hired architect Tom Fazio for the redesign.
Judge Ana Reyes barred tree removal and irreversible changes until at least Oct. 26.
The DC Preservation League and two golfers sued, saying the plan would end public access.

Summary

Reyes Denies Recusal

Judge Reyes denied the Justice Department’s motion to recuse herself despite bias accusations.
The Justice Department filed a request alleging the judge’s hostility and seeking removal.
Reyes disclosed death threats and harassing messages linked to the East Potomac golf dispute.
Attorney General Stanley Woodward testified the administration lacks a final plan to close the course.
Reyes said she may extend the restraining order and require three-day notice before irreversible changes.

History

Historical Context

The National Historic Preservation Act of October 15 1966 created Section 106, obligating federal agencies to evaluate effects on properties listed or eligible for the National Register. The National Park Service has used that review for thousands of districts. Today the DC Preservation League invokes Section 106 to block the Trump administration’s redesign of East Potomac Golf Links, testing the act’s lasting safeguards.

1 of 3

Trump Closes Golf Links

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the closure of East Potomac Golf Links for renovation.
Construction will begin on Nov. 15 and last roughly 15 months.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum hired architect Tom Fazio for the redesign.
Judge Ana Reyes barred tree removal and irreversible changes until at least Oct. 26.
The DC Preservation League and two golfers sued, saying the plan would end public access.

1 / 3