Golfers Sue Trump Administration Over Public Golf Course Takeover

Two D.C. residents challenge plans to transform East Potomac Golf Links into a private, 'world-class' course.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Two Washington, D.C. area golfers, Dave Roberts and Alex Dickson, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to halt its efforts to terminate the lease of a nonprofit organization that manages the city's public golf courses, including the well-known East Potomac Golf Links. The golfers, joined by several organizations, argue the administration's plan to redevelop the course into a 'beautiful, world-class, U.S. Open-caliber course' would turn it into a 'private playground for the privileged and powerful'.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights growing concerns over the Trump administration's efforts to privatize and restrict access to public lands and spaces, which critics say disproportionately impacts lower-income communities. The East Potomac Golf Links has long been an affordable, accessible public recreation space for Washington, D.C. residents.

The details

In December, the Trump administration terminated the lease of the nonprofit organization that managed Washington, D.C.'s public golf courses, including East Potomac Golf Links. Since then, President Trump has suggested plans are underway to transform the course into a 'beautiful, world-class, U.S. Open-caliber course.' Roberts and Dickson, along with several organizations, have filed a lawsuit to halt these efforts, arguing the course should remain a public space accessible to all.

  • In December 2025, the Trump administration terminated the lease of the nonprofit organization managing Washington, D.C.'s public golf courses.
  • Since December 2025, President Trump has suggested plans to transform East Potomac Golf Links into a 'world-class' private course.

The players

Dave Roberts

A Washington, D.C. area golfer who has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its plans for East Potomac Golf Links.

Alex Dickson

A Washington, D.C. area golfer who has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its plans for East Potomac Golf Links.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has suggested plans to transform East Potomac Golf Links into a 'beautiful, world-class, U.S. Open-caliber course'.

Skye Perryman

The president and chief executive of the Democracy Forward Foundation, which is joining the lawsuit to 'save this priceless part of our national park system from being another casualty of a reckless administration'.

Taylor Rogers

A White House spokesperson who defended the administration's plans to 'redevelop' Washington, D.C.'s 'decrepit' public golf courses.

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What they’re saying

“East Potomac Golf Links is a testament to what's possible with public land and why public spaces matter. It deserves better than becoming a dumping ground for waste and yet another private playground for the privileged and powerful.”

— Dave Roberts (The Washington Post)

“We are acting to save this priceless part of our national park system from being another casualty of a reckless administration. We are honored for the partnership of our plaintiffs in fighting back against this unlawful assault on our cherished public space.”

— Skye Perryman, President and Chief Executive, Democracy Forward Foundation (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The judge presiding over the lawsuit will determine whether to grant an injunction to halt the Trump administration's plans for East Potomac Golf Links while the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This lawsuit underscores the broader battle over public lands and spaces, with the Trump administration seeking to restrict access and transform them for private interests, while advocates fight to preserve them as community resources. The outcome could set an important precedent for the future of public recreation areas in the nation's capital and beyond.