Trump Announces November Start for East Potomac Golf Links Overhaul Despite Legal Hurdles
President Trump plans to begin construction on the East Potomac Golf Links next month, moving forward with a major renovation despite ongoing litigation.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — President Trump announced Sunday that construction is set to commence next month on a major renovation of the historic East Potomac Golf Links, moving forward despite a pending legal challenge against the project.
In a post on Truth Social, the president stated that the Department of the Interior, led by Secretary Doug Burgum, has partnered with renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio to transform the site into a world-class championship venue. The project aims to host prestigious events, including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup, while remaining accessible to the public.
Mr. Trump characterized the current facility as an old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect, citing concerns over dangerous, disease-infested trees and a failing seawall. He described the site as currently overgrown and unsafe, while promising that the redevelopment would serve as a tremendously positive economic opportunity that will create many jobs.
Construction is scheduled to begin on Nov. 15, requiring the course to close for approximately 15 months. The announcement arrives just days after U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued an order prohibiting the administration from removing trees or making any irreparable modifications to the site through Oct. 16.
The court order requires the administration to provide three business days’ notice to both the court and the plaintiffs before proceeding with any further work. The lawsuit, brought by the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers, seeks to halt the overhaul of the public recreation space.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs praised the court’s intervention, stating that the administration has time and again tried to avoid the law in their mad rush toward converting a public recreation space to a high-end golf course. They expressed satisfaction that the ruling would prevent additional harm while they pursue more lasting relief.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
