President Donald Trump early Monday doubled down on his plan to close and renovate a public Washington, DC, golf course, saying construction would begin “IMMEDIATELY” despite a judge’s order to provide three days’ notice ahead of any construction.
Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that the government does not “need an approval” to proceed with the construction.
“Work is scheduled to begin IMMEDIATELY! The finished product will be World Class, and bring income and great prestige back to D.C.,” he wrote.
The president had previously said on Sunday that construction would begin next month.
Legal challenge to golf course renovation
But his plan to renovate the golf course is already the subject of a legal fight as preservationists and golfers seek to stop the president from changing the public park.
US District Judge Ana C. Reyes, who is overseeing the case, issued an order last week that requires the government to give at least three days’ notice before making any “irreparable modification” to the course.
Her ruling followed a testy hearing in which she said she was “furious” with the government for removing hundreds of trees without proper notice. The government claimed the removals were routine maintenance unrelated to any plan to renovate the golf course. Reyes ordered that no more trees be cut down before October 26.
Government seeks judge’s removal
The government on Friday filed a motion asking for Reyes’ removal from the case, accusing her of having a “disdain for the Trump Administration.” Reyes denied that motion and refuted the government’s claims against her.
In his Monday post to Truth Social, Trump disparaged Reyes a “crazed lunatic.”
Concerns over public access and renovation costs
The course is one of several renovation projects Trump is working on in Washington. The president’s desire to turn the public course into a professional course — a renovation that could cost between $20 million and $49 million — has angered those who fear it may take away a public and affordable place to play golf in the nation’s capital.
Another hearing in the case is scheduled to be held later on Monday.
Source: CNN
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