Trump unveils plan to transform historic DC golf course as judge tees off

Donald Trump has announced plans to rebuild East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, as a championship course that would remain open to the public. The proposal matters because it has prompted a dispute in court over whether the government had already decided to redevelop the federally owned site.

The Interior Department is working with golf course architect Tom Fazio on a design intended to accommodate events such as the US Open and Ryder Cup. The existing course is expected to close on 15 November, with reopening projected about 15 months later. Judge Ana Reyes has ordered the government to clarify its position and required two government lawyers to attend an evidentiary hearing, while a temporary halt on further tree cutting remains in place.