Golfers sue over Trump’s overhaul of 100-year-old public course so it doesn’t become ‘another private playground for the privileged and powerful’
Fortune
by Safiyah Riddle, The Associated PressFebruary 15, 2026
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Two golfers in Washington, D.C., have filed a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the Trump administration from overhauling a historic public golf course, alleging violations of environmental laws and threats to a treasured public space. The East Potomac Golf Course, established in 1918-1923, is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in promoting racial integration during the 1940s. The plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration’s reconstruction plans, which include demolishing the East Wing of the White House and dumping debris on the course, violate environmental regulations and the 1897 law that designated the park for public recreation.
The lawsuit highlights a broader pattern of legal challenges to Trump’s efforts to transform public spaces in Washington, including his controversial decision to close the Kennedy Center. The plaintiffs emphasize that the course, managed by the nonprofit National Links Trust since 2015, has seen significant improvements and increased revenue under their leadership. However, the Interior Department terminated the lease in December, citing unmet obligations, though the trust claims it invested $8.5 million in upgrades and doubled course usage and income. Construction on the East Potomac course has already begun, raising concerns about environmental harm and long-term accessibility for the public.
This legal battle underscores tensions over public land use under Trump’s presidency, with critics arguing that his policies prioritize private interests over public access. The case also raises questions about budget allocation, job security, and the future of affordable recreational spaces in the nation’s capital. For business readers, this story highlights conflicts between public-private partnerships, environmental regulations, and the potential financial impacts on local economies tied to these iconic landmarks.
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Originally published on Fortune on 2/15/2026