Golfers sue Trump administration over public course takeover in D.C.

Lawsuit alleges violations of environmental and historic preservation laws in plan to overhaul East Potomac Golf Links

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A pair of Washington-area golfers have sued the Trump administration over its plan to overhaul the East Potomac Golf Links, a public course in the nation's capital. The lawsuit alleges violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other laws, and seeks to halt the project and block the lease termination of the nonprofit that previously managed the course.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights growing concerns among local golfers and advocacy groups that the Trump administration's plans to remake public golf courses in Washington, D.C. could reduce public access and turn them into private playgrounds for the wealthy. The East Potomac Golf Links is seen as an important public space that should remain affordable and accessible to all.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by Dave Roberts and Alex Dickson, who describe themselves as frequent patrons of East Potomac Golf Links, along with the DC Preservation League. They allege the Interior Department skipped required environmental and health reviews to rush the project. The suit seeks to halt the project, vacate federal approvals, and block any reassignment or termination of the existing lease, pending a full legal and environmental review.

  • On February 13, 2026, the lawsuit was filed against the Trump administration.
  • Last year, the Interior Department terminated the lease of National Links Trust, the nonprofit that previously managed East Potomac and two other local courses.

The players

Dave Roberts

A Washington-area golfer who is a frequent patron of East Potomac Golf Links and is a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

Alex Dickson

A Washington-area golfer who is a frequent patron of East Potomac Golf Links and is a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

DC Preservation League

A nonprofit that advocates for protecting historic sites and has joined the lawsuit.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has moved to remake East Potomac Golf Links and other local public courses, arguing they are overlooked and in need of attention.

National Links Trust

A nonprofit that previously managed East Potomac and two other local courses, but had its lease terminated by the Interior Department.

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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, Plaintiff

“As a private citizen, President Trump built some of the greatest golf courses in the world, and he is now extending his unmatched design skills and excellent eye for detail to D.C.'s public golf courses. The President and his extraordinary team will redevelop these decrepit golf courses in our nation's capital to restore glamour and prestige.”

— Taylor Rogers, White House Spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to halt the project and block the lease termination pending a full legal and environmental review.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the tension between preserving public access to affordable recreational spaces and the Trump administration's desire to remake those spaces into exclusive, high-end golf destinations. The outcome could set an important precedent for the future of public lands and the role of the federal government in managing them.