Federal judge extends freeze on Trump's renovations at public golf course in Washington

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes wrote in her opinion that the Justice Department has rarely, if ever, asked a federal court not to believe a sitting president.

Published: October 27, 2026 7:45am

A federal judge extended an order that bars the Trump administration from resuming renovations plans at a century-old public golf course in Washington, D.C. 

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily prohibits the Trump administration from removing or damaging any additional trees on the East Potomac Golf Course, the Associated Press reported. 

The order requires the administration to give 10 days' written notice before making any “irreparable modification” to any “forms or features” of the course while the lawsuit is active.

On Oct. 18, Trump announced plans on social media that the golf course would be closed for 15 months to carry out renovations, despite a legal challenge from DC Preservation League and two golfers. 

Reyes wrote in her opinion that the Justice Department has rarely, if ever, asked a federal court not to believe a sitting president. 

"This started as a case about golf. That good walk spoiled. But it has become much more. It now forces the Court to reconcile assertions by President Donald J. Trump with the sworn testimony of multiple government employees and the argument of senior Department of Justice attorneys. This morass of different accounts concerns the future of the East Potomac Golf Course, a historic landmark," Reyes wrote. 

 

 

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News