Interior tells court it plans East Potomac golf closure by Nov. 15

The Justice Department told a federal court Wednesday night the National Park Service will close East Potomac Park south of Buckeye Drive, including the golf course, on Nov. 15, 2026, consistent with President Donald Trump's directive. NPS will submit a Tom Fazio rendering for a championship-level course to the National Capital Planning Commission on Oct. 30 for a Dec. 3 meeting. Under a new lease, National Links Trust ends East Potomac operations by close of business Nov. 15 but continues Rock Creek and Langston. Judge Ana Reyes's Oct. 26 injunction bars further tree removal or damage and requires 10 business days' written notice before irreparable modifications. She ordered Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. and an Interior solicitor official to appear. CONTESTED: Earlier official testimony said there was no knowledge of the closure plans Trump announced; the filing now confirms Nov. 15. The DC Preservation League and two golfers say the project threatens public access and raises environmental concerns; Trump called the course highly dangerous, dilapidated, and absolutely disgusting and said local golfers have begged for pristine condition. DOJ said court-ordered notice details are difficult to fully determine at the onset and cited a sea wall crumbling into the Potomac River. A separate arch case before Judge Tanya Chutkan has a Friday hearing.