Trump Administration Sued Over Attempted Overhaul of Washington D.C. Public Golf Course

Nonprofit and residents file lawsuit to stop federal government's plans to reshape century-old public recreation area.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A nonprofit organization and two Washington D.C. residents have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to stop its attempted overhaul of a more than 100-year-old public golf course in the nation's capital. The lawsuit alleges the administration's actions violate environmental laws and would pollute a historic park.

Why it matters

This case highlights the Trump administration's broader efforts to reshape cultural and historical institutions across the U.S., from museums and monuments to national parks. The public golf course in question has served as a recreational space for Washington D.C. residents for over a century, and the lawsuit aims to preserve this community asset from the administration's redevelopment plans.

The details

The Trump administration recently canceled a lease held by the National Links Trust to oversee three public golf courses in Washington D.C., giving it an opportunity to redevelop the East Potomac Golf Course. The Interior Department accused the trust of failing to make required investments and pay rent, allegations the trust disputes. The lawsuit argues the administration's planned reconstruction of the golf course violates a 1897 congressional act that designated the land as a public park for recreation.

  • In January 2025, President Trump took office.
  • Late last year, the Trump administration canceled the National Links Trust's 50-year lease to run the golf courses.
  • On February 13, 2026, the lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has targeted various cultural and historical institutions in an attempt to reshape them since taking office in 2025.

National Links Trust

A nonprofit organization that previously held a 50-year lease to oversee three public golf courses in Washington D.C., including the East Potomac Golf Course.

DC Preservation League

A nonprofit group that is a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the Trump administration's plans for the public golf course.

Dave Roberts

A Washington D.C. resident who is a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the Trump administration's plans for the public golf course.

Alex Dickson

A Washington D.C. resident who is a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the Trump administration's plans for the public golf course.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's broader efforts to reshape cultural and historical institutions across the U.S., raising concerns about the preservation of community assets like the public golf course in Washington D.C.