Two Washington-area golfers, Alex Dickson and Dave Roberts, sued after the Interior Department ended the National Links Trust lease for D.C.’s public golf courses, alleging violations of the APA, NEPA and the National Historic Preservation Act. The National Links Trust had led renovations at East Potomac and other local sites, promoting affordable golf access. Critics warn a Trump administration takeover could raise tee-time prices and limit community access, while the White House says renovations will benefit citizens. The case is ongoing.
Local Golfers Sue Trump Administration Over Plan To Take Over D.C. Public Golf Courses
Golfers sue Trump administration over move to overhaul DC course
Two Washington-area golf enthusiasts, Alex Dickson and Dave Roberts, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s move to reclaim and redevelop the District of Columbia’s public golf system.
The complaint, filed late last week, alleges that the Interior Department’s December termination of its lease with the National Links Trust violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), among other federal laws. The plaintiffs argue the decision was arbitrary and procedurally flawed.
The National Links Trust is a nonprofit that was created during the pandemic to renovate and manage the capital region’s public golf facilities. Its portfolio included a prominent parcel at Hains Point in East Potomac Park — a riverside site with views of the Washington Monument and downtown D.C. — as well as smaller holdings near Rock Creek Park and Langston.
President Trump has publicly proposed converting the East Potomac site into a modern, 18-hole championship-caliber course capable of hosting major tournaments and international competition. The Interior Department’s lease termination enabled federal officials to pursue that shift in management and redevelopment.
“Allowing East Potomac golf course to become dependent on the whims of the White House deprives this community of what the National Park Service set out to accomplish with a long-term operator that can not only oversee sustainable improvements but do so with the needs of golfers with varying experience, skill levels, and economic means in mind,” Alex Dickson said in a statement.
Supporters of the National Links Trust say its stewardship made the D.C.-area system a national model for affordable, community-focused golf that serves players of different abilities and economic means. Critics of the administration’s plan warn that a White House-led takeover — including East Potomac and smaller parcels at Rock Creek Park and Langston — could drive up tee-time prices and reduce affordable access for local residents.
The White House defended the proposed changes, saying the president is committed to renovating and beautifying D.C.’s public courses and keeping them open and enjoyable for citizens. A White House spokesperson told The Hill that President Trump brings design expertise and a vision to improve the courses.
The White House did not respond to a separate request for comment on the lawsuit. The litigation is ongoing.
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