A legal dispute is unfolding in Washington, D.C., after two local golfers filed a lawsuit challenging plans tied to President Donald Trump’s interest in redeveloping a set of historic public golf courses. The complaint, supported by a preservation organization, argues the project could violate federal protections governing public land and historic sites.
Dave Roberts and Alex Dickson – who describe themselves as regular visitors to East Potomac Golf Links – joined forces with the DC Preservation League to block the proposal. Their filing seeks to stop any transfer of control until a full environmental and historical review is completed.
Lawsuit targets federal approvals and historic protections for Golf courses
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs want courts to halt the redevelopment effort entirely while legal questions are examined. The lawsuit requests authorities to:
halt the project, vacate federal approvals and block any reassignment or termination of the existing lease, pending a full review.
The legal challenge cites multiple federal statutes, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. The plaintiffs also referenced an 1897 congressional act that established the park and required it to be “forever held and used as a park for the recreation and pleasure of the people.”
Preservation advocates argue the courses represent a rare public recreation space in the nation’s capital and should remain accessible rather than converted into a private-style destination facility. Their concern centers on maintaining the original intent of the land as community property rather than transforming it into a tournament-focused venue.
So far, federal officials have not publicly released a detailed redevelopment blueprint, which has intensified uncertainty among local players and nearby residents.
Trump promises economic boost and major events
Despite opposition, Trump has promoted the project as a large-scale improvement that could elevate Washington’s golf profile. Speaking to reporters previously, he outlined ambitions for a premier tournament-level facility.
We’re going to make it a beautiful, world-class, U.S. Open-caliber course. Ideally, we’re going to have major tournaments there and everything else. It’s going to bring a lot of business into Washington.
A White House spokesperson echoed that vision, emphasizing redevelopment rather than removal of public access.
As a private citizen, President Trump built some of the greatest golf courses in the world, and he is now extending his unmatched design skills and excellent eye for detail to D.C.’s public golf courses. The President and his extraordinary team will redevelop these decrepit golf courses in our nation’s capital to restore glamour and prestige.
The dispute now hinges on whether economic development goals outweigh preservation laws and public-land protections. Courts will likely determine if federal approvals were properly issued and whether historic park statutes restrict the project’s scope.
For now, golfers, city officials and legal observers are watching closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how federally protected recreation spaces may be redeveloped – not just in Washington, but across the United States – balancing modernization ambitions with historic public access rights.
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