‘Highly destructive and political decision’: Trump slams judge’s order blocking Washington golf course renovation
US President Donald Trump has vowed to challenge a federal judge’s order delaying work on a historic public golf course in Washington, calling the ruling a “highly destructive and political decision”.Trump said on Sunday that his administration would immediately appeal the temporary restraining order issued by US District Judge Ana Reyes, which temporarily blocks the planned closure of the golf course for 15 months and delays the renovation work until at least November 28.According to the Associated Press (AP), the order came just hours before the course was due to shut on Sunday for redevelopment. Trump wants to transform the public facility along the Potomac River into a championship-level golf venue.In a post on his social media platform, Trump criticised the condition of the course, saying it was in a “terrible state of disrepair”. Sharing photographs of the site, he added: “They don’t call it Trash Island for no reason!”The redevelopment plan has been challenged by the DC Preservation League and two local golfers, who filed a lawsuit in February. They argue that the project would change the character of the publicly accessible course and make it unaffordable for many visitors. Trump has denied those claims.Judge Reyes issued the temporary restraining order on Saturday after considering Trump’s social media posts announcing that the park would close on November 15 for the renovation. She said the posts indicated that the redevelopment plan was final and that the National Park Service would shut the park to carry it out.The judge said both factors supported granting the plaintiffs’ request for another temporary restraining order. The order prevents the government from closing East Potomac Park and the golf course during their usual public hours and remains in effect until November 28, or until the court issues another direction.The Justice Department said the ruling did not prevent the administration from continuing to plan the redevelopment. It added that the National Park Service could still restrict access to facilities where public safety was at risk.The case is among several legal challenges to Trump’s plans to reshape parts of the US capital. Other projects include a proposed memorial arch and a White House ballroom. A separate judge recently delayed work on the arch for 14 days.
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