Trump to close D.C. golf course for 15 months of renovations amid legal fight

President Donald Trump announced plans to close and renovate the East Potomac Golf Links golf course in Washington, D.C., starting November 15, with renovations expected to last about 15 months, according to NBC News and PBS NewsHour.

Trump described the project as a redevelopment to create a world-class championship golf course open to the public and capable of hosting major tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup, NPR reported.

The renovation plan has faced legal challenges from a preservation group and local residents, with a judge ordering a temporary halt to the redevelopment until at least October 26 after the government began tree removal with little notice, PBS NewsHour reported.

The judge also required the government to provide three days' notice before making any irreversible changes to the golf course, as noted by NBC News.

The group Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs opposing the renovation, stated their intention to protect the golf course as a national park and recreation area for the community, according to PBS NewsHour.

Following Trump's announcement on social media, the court ordered the government to clarify whether it still considers the renovation plan preliminary or a final agency action, as reported by NBC News.