When it came to the plans – or lack thereof – for the future of East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC,. a the federal judge said last week that she did not know who to believe: President Trump, who said that the course closes on November 15 for a 15-month renewal, or his lawyers and officials of the Department of the Interior, who said that they did not know such a roadmap.
It turns out the judge should have believed the president.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration filed a legal notice which for the first time acknowledged that the National Park Service “will close East Potomac Park south of Buckeye Drive, including the golf course, in accordance with the President’s directive.”
The directive includes plans to transform the 36-hole golf facility, where fees are now more than $48, into a high-quality 18-hole golf course that can test elite players and host Ryder Cups and major championships.
The filing said the NPS will present a design by the golf course architect on Friday Tom Fazio to the National Capital Planning Commission, and that the commission will review the plan at a December 3 meeting. According to the New York TimesTrump has “stacked the council of loyalists, and has reliably voted to approve other proposals that he has sent.”
The government’s filing promises that “with respect to the ongoing planning process to renovate the East Potomac Golf Course itself, Defendants will follow all relevant procedural requirements to finalize and implement the Fazio plan.”
Among the park’s other attractions that will close during renovations are the miniature golf course and Ohio Drive, the road that circles the perimeter of the peninsula and is a popular destination for walkers, joggers and cyclists.
Wednesday evening, in his latest of many Social Truth posts In relation to East Potomac, Trump characterized the golf course as “highly dangerous, dilapidated and absolutely disgusting.” In particular, he called out the two-story driving range for its “exposed nails and disintegrating wood.” He added: “The current condition of the golf course is a National disgrace, but we will make it a WORLD CLASS PUBLIC Golf Course that is Affordable for locals – Just like the Great and Historic Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black Public Courses, only better.”
Judge Ana C. Reyes, who is overseeing the East Potomac case, said she is not interested in shaping the government’s plans for the property — but only that those plans follow the rule of law. On Monday, he forbade the administration to remove more trees from the park without first obtaining a court order. This was considered a victory for preservationists and locals who fear that Trump’s vision for the golf course will rob the city of one of its most vital and historic recreation spots.
Now that the government is close to providing a formal plan for the property, Reyes will probably be regular about the legality of the plan.
