Legal challenges mount as Trump administration targets historic DC golf course

Legal challenges mount as Trump administration targets historic DC golf course

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — There are more legal challenges to prevent the Trump administration from taking over the East Potomac Golf Course.

Attorneys for the DC Preservation League filed their emergency stay on Sunday in the D.C. federal court. The action came hours after the group Democracy Forward filed a similar action. Both seek to block the takeover that could happen as early as Monday.

“This is tragic for DC, this is tragic for municipal golf,” said Chris Bence, a golfer at the course Sunday.

He’s among those upset that the course could close Monday for major renovations.

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Rumors about the future of the golf course first surfaced on Friday as the “News of the United States” reported the administration’s plans.

“It’s just going to take away golf from a lot of people,” Bence said. “It’s going to take away people that are coming into the golf, the game of golf.”

The administration has not publicly commented on its plans. But, the Washington Post reports the Trump administration wants to build a professional-tier championship course and a new “Garden of Heroes Memorial.” Golfers want things to remain as they are.

“I think for the people that are into golf and want to come here and have that freedom to come here as a public course, it’s going to take that away from them,” said Andre Claro.

Reports say the renovations could start Monday, on a course that first opened in 1920.

“It’s just very welcoming. And, it feels like it’s [not going to] become welcoming anymore,” said Jack Hall.

Golfers are advised to contact East Potomac Golf Course before arriving to see if it’s open for business.

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