Federal Court Halts Closure of East Potomac Park
A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the Trump-Vance administration from closing East Potomac Park as part of a plan to convert the area into an exclusive golf course.
A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the Trump-Vance administration from proceeding with its planned closure of East Potomac Park. The court ruled in favor of the DC Preservation League and two local residents, who argued that the closure would unlawfully deprive the public of a historic and recreational space (Source ID: 1). The TRO was issued in the case DC Preservation League v. Department of the Interior, which was filed on February 13, 2026, to stop the National Park Service from destroying the park and replacing it with an exclusive golf course (Source ID: 1). [1]
The court’s order prevents the government from closing the park to the community without conducting the proper public decision-making process. The coalition representing the plaintiffs expressed gratitude for the court’s intervention, stating that the administration had acted unlawfully by ignoring legal requirements for public input (Source ID: 1). The legal teams involved in the case include representatives from Democracy Forward, Lowell & Associates, and Democracy Defenders Fund, which are working to protect the park from being converted into a private golf course (Source ID: 1). [1]
The temporary restraining order will halt the administration’s efforts to transform East Potomac Park into an exclusive golf course designed for professional tournaments and private events for the president and wealthy golfers. The court’s decision ensures that the government must follow legal procedures before making changes to the park (Source ID: 1). The case continues to be litigated, with the coalition stating its intent to argue further in court (Source ID: 1). [1]
A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the Trump-Vance administration from proceeding with its planned closure of East Potomac Park. The court’s order prevents the government from closing the park to the community without conducting the proper public decision-making process (Source ID: 1). The TRO was granted in response to a lawsuit filed by the DC Preservation League and two local residents, who argue that the administration’s plan to transform the park into an exclusive golf course is unlawful and violates public participation requirements. [1]
Advertisement
The lawsuit, DC Preservation League v. Department of the Interior, was filed on February 13, 2026, and seeks to stop the National Park Service from converting East Potomac Park into an exclusive golf course designed for professional tournaments and private events for the president and wealthy golfers (Source ID: 1). The temporary restraining order will halt the administration’s efforts to transform the park, which the plaintiffs argue is a priceless piece of American history and a valuable public recreation space. [1]
The coalition representing the plaintiffs expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, stating that the order will stop the government from unlawfully closing the park and depriving the public of a priceless piece of American history and a wonderful recreation space (Source ID: 1). The legal team includes representatives from Democracy Forward, Lowell & Associates, and Democracy Defenders Fund, with notable legal professionals such as Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.) and Lindsay Zimliki participating in the case. [1]
A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the Trump-Vance administration from proceeding with its planned closure of East Potomac Park. The court’s order prevents the government from closing the park to the community without conducting the proper public decision-making process. The temporary restraining order will halt the administration’s efforts to transform East Potomac Park into an exclusive golf course designed for professional tournaments and private events for the president and wealthy golfers (Source ID: 1). [1]
The lawsuit, DC Preservation League v. Department of the Interior, was filed on February 13, 2026, and seeks to stop the National Park Service’s plan to destroy East Potomac Park and its historic municipal golf course. The coalition representing the plaintiffs expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, stating that the order will stop the government from unlawfully closing the park and depriving the public of a priceless piece of American history and a wonderful recreation space (Source ID: 1). [1]
Advertisement
The temporary restraining order comes as part of a broader legal effort to challenge the Trump-Vance administration’s plans for the park. The coalition representing the plaintiffs emphasized that the court’s decision upholds the importance of public participation in decisions that affect shared community spaces. The legal teams involved include representatives from Democracy Forward, Lowell & Associates, and Democracy Defenders Fund, who have been working on the case since its filing in early 2026 (Source ID: 1). [1]
A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the Trump-Vance administration from proceeding with its planned closure of East Potomac Park. The court’s order prevents the government from closing the park to the community without conducting the proper public decision-making process. This action was taken in response to the administration’s effort to convert a public recreation space into an exclusive, high-end golf course as part of Trump’s ongoing effort to transform Washington, D.C. through his various vanity projects (Source ID: 1). [1]
The lawsuit, DC Preservation League v. Department of the Interior, was filed on February 13, 2026, asking a court to stop the National Park Service’s plan to destroy East Potomac Park and its historic municipal golf course and build in its place an exclusive golf course designed for professional tournaments and private events for the president and wealthy golfers. Saturday’s order will stop the government from closing the park to the community it serves without conducting the proper public decision-making process (Source ID: 1). [1]
The coalition representing the plaintiffs expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, stating that the order will stop the government from unlawfully closing the park and depriving the public of a priceless piece of American history and a wonderful recreation space. Our laws prevent this administration from acting without a fair and public process, and today’s order will stop the government from ignoring those laws. We are eager to continue to argue this case in court (Source ID: 1). [1]
Advertisement
The Cali Reporter newsletter
The stories worth your time.
California, the country, and what comes next. Join our free newsletter for reporting that keeps you informed.
More in California
- Elderly Man Robbed in Costco Parking Lot, Four Arrested
A 91-year-old man reported a theft of a ring during an interaction at a Costco in Modesto, leading to the arrest of four individuals.
- CMS Announces Optional Six-Month Delay for Medicaid Work Requirements
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced an optional six-month delay for states implementing Medicaid work requirements, according to a report by KFF.
- California and Poland Strengthen Climate and Economic Ties
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a climate partnership with Poland following COP31, advancing clean energy and economic cooperation between the two regions.