Golfers Challenge Trump Over Plans to Privatize Public Golf Course

Two Washington-area golfers file lawsuit to halt Trump administration's efforts to transform East Potomac Golf Links into a private, 'world-class' course.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Two Washington-area golfers, Dave Roberts and Alex Dickson, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent the transformation of the public East Potomac Golf Links into a private, 'world-class' golf course. The golfers, joined by several organizations, argue that the administration's efforts to terminate the lease of the nonprofit managing the course and redevelop it are an 'unlawful assault' on public spaces.

Why it matters

The East Potomac Golf Links is a public golf course that has served the Washington, D.C. community for decades. The lawsuit aims to prevent the Trump administration from privatizing the course and turning it into an exclusive, high-end facility, which would limit public access and go against the course's history as a public space.

The details

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

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

The players

Dave Roberts

A Washington-area golfer who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the Trump administration's efforts to privatize the East Potomac Golf Links.

Alex Dickson

A Washington-area golfer who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the Trump administration's efforts to privatize the East Potomac Golf Links.

Trump administration

The current U.S. presidential administration, led by former President Donald Trump, which is seeking to transform the public East Potomac Golf Links into a private, 'world-class' golf course.

DC Preservation League

One of the organizations that has joined the lawsuit against the Trump administration's efforts to privatize the East Potomac Golf Links.

Democracy Defenders Fund

One of the organizations that has joined the lawsuit against the Trump administration's efforts to privatize the East Potomac Golf Links.

Democracy Forward Foundation

One of the organizations that has joined the lawsuit against the Trump administration's efforts to privatize the East Potomac Golf Links.

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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 (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant an injunction to halt the Trump administration's plans to transform the East Potomac Golf Links into a private, 'world-class' course.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle over the preservation of public spaces and the role of the government in protecting or privatizing community resources. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how public lands and facilities are managed, especially when facing pressure from powerful private interests.