A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s plans to redevelop a historic public golf course in Washington DC, ordering a two-week halt to the project.
According to the Associated Press, US District Judge Ana Reyes issued the restraining order on Saturday, preventing the closure of East Potomac Park and its golf course until November 28.
The site had been scheduled to close on Sunday for 15 months as Trump pushed to transform it into a championship-level golf venue.
The DC Preservation League and two local golfers challenged the redevelopment, arguing it could make the public facility less affordable and permanently change its character.
Trump has rejected those concerns, promising discounted rates for Washington-area residents.
In her ruling, Reyes pointed to Trump’s public statements announcing the closure as evidence that redevelopment plans were moving forward.
“They indicate that the Washington National Plan is final and that NPS will close the Park to implement it,” she wrote.
The Justice Department defended the the administration, saying the ruling does not prevent planning or necessary repairs.
