Trump DC golf course plan tees up fight over East Potomac links
Trump says work could start Sept. 1 on a redesigned East Potomac course, but residents and preservationists are fighting it in court.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
4 min read
The Trump DC golf course plan is heading for a courtroom showdown as the administration targets Sept. 1 to begin work on a redesigned course at East Potomac Golf Links, about a mile from the White House South Lawn.
The Department of the Interior has described the project as a “world-class” golf course, according to NBC News. The site already comes with big-ticket scenery: views of the Potomac River and the Washington Monument, plus historic cherry trees given by Japan.
But the plan would replace a century-old municipal course on National Park Service land. NBC News reported that the area is used not only by golfers, but also by cyclists, picnickers, anglers and others who use Washington’s public green space.
What is the Trump DC golf course plan?
The proposal is to remake East Potomac Golf Links into a new high-end course on federal parkland near central Washington. Details have not been publicly released by the White House, and NBC News reported that plans have not been submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission or the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the federal bodies expected to review such projects.
Neither commission has an August meeting scheduled before the Sept. 1 date Trump has given for construction to begin, according to NBC News.
Trump inspected the site on a recent Sunday while carrying what appeared to be a course design printout, NBC News reported. He was joined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and golf course designer Tom Fazio, who has designed several Trump courses, including one at Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey, property.
Fazio told Golf.com that he was first hesitant because of the approval process tied to a municipal course, but changed his view after seeing the location on a human-made peninsula with views of Washington landmarks.
In a court filing, the administration said it had “received copies” of renderings from Fazio Design, while saying the renderings and intellectual property rights remain with Fazio Design.
Residents say the public course is already serving the city
Golfers and other users told NBC News they worry the current course will vanish as an affordable, accessible place to play and relax.
Cesar Romero told NBC News that the course works for players with different levels of experience and said nine holes cost about $28, which he described as a strong price for golf.
Joanne Gribler, a bicyclist, told NBC News she has used the area for a decade, often visiting two to five times a week to ride, run or picnic. She also said the region already has world championship golf courses and does not need another one in D.C.
Elizabeth Kiker, executive director of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, told NBC News that the lack of public information about the project is a concern, asking why residents cannot see the plan if officials say the space will be improved for public use.
Why is the golf course plan in court?
The D.C. Preservation League is leading opponents in a lawsuit against the Interior Department seeking to block the project, according to NBC News. At a recent hearing, government lawyers said agencies are still going through the required review process before construction.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned that argument, citing Trump’s public comments at the course with the interior secretary and an architect present, according to NBC News. Justice Department lawyer Michael Robertson told the judge he knew of no project dates beyond Trump’s Sept. 1 statement and said there was no schedule in place.
Reyes declined to dismiss the case, but also rejected opponents’ request for an injunction, saying she was unsure she had the power to direct the executive branch. She asked the parties to determine whether Burgum had issued any order to begin construction. The government has since said no order has been given and no decisions have been made, NBC News reported.
One visible change has already appeared at the course. NBC News reported that rubble from East Wing excavation was dumped on the ninth and fourth holes, later tested positive for toxic metals by the National Park Service, and has since been covered with grass.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.