Trump administration sued over attempted overhaul of Washington public golf course

A non-profit group and two Washington residents filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop the Trump administration's attempted overhaul of the East Potomac public golf course, saying the project violates an 1897 congressional act.

A non-profit organization and two Washington residents filed a lawsuit on Feb. 13 seeking to stop the Trump administration’s planned overhaul of the East Potomac public golf course. The administration recently canceled a 50-year lease held by the National Links Trust to operate three D.C. courses, saying the trust failed to make required investments and pay rent. The National Links Trust disputed those claims and said the Interior Department provided little information. The Interior Department and the National Park Service are named as defendants; the department said it would not comment on pending litigation but described its aim to keep the courses open and accessible. Key facts: - Plaintiffs filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to halt reconstruction of East Potomac Park and the East Potomac Golf Course. - The Interior Department terminated the National Links Trust’s 2020 50-year lease, alleging missed investments and unpaid rent; the trust disputes those allegations. - The lawsuit alleges the administration’s actions violate an 1897 congressional act and environmental laws; the case is pending in federal court. Summary: The lawsuit challenges the Interior Department’s cancellation of the lease and planned reconstruction, arguing the work contravenes an 1897 law protecting the park and could affect a site on the National Register of Historic Places. The Interior Department declined to comment on the litigation; the case remains pending in U.S. District Court. Undetermined at this time.