President Donald Trump announced that the federal government will begin renovating the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., on September 1, describing the project as part of a broader effort to restore and modernize prominent public spaces in the nation’s capital.
The announcement came after Trump toured the historic golf course on Sunday alongside Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, staff members, and renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. Following the visit, Trump shared his plans on Truth Social, offering a blunt assessment of the facility’s current condition.
Trump Calls Golf Course “Run Down” and Outdated
According to Trump, the course is “old and run down,” calling it “dilapidated, worn out, and very dangerous and outdated.” He said the inspection confirmed that the property, which sits along the Potomac River with sweeping views of Washington’s monuments, has the potential to become one of the country’s premier public golf destinations.
“It was determined that, on this fantastic site, with water and unparalleled views of D.C.’s Monuments, we will build one of the Greatest Golf Courses anywhere in the World which, importantly, will also be made available to the Public,” Trump wrote.
He added that the redesigned course would be capable of hosting some of golf’s most prestigious events, including the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship, and other PGA Tour tournaments.
Legal Disputes Continue Over Public Golf Courses
The renovation follows months of uncertainty surrounding the future of East Potomac Golf Links and two other public golf courses in Washington. Earlier this year, the Trump administration terminated the National Links Trust’s 50-year lease with the National Park Service, placing the courses’ future in question. In May, however, administration officials reached an agreement with the nonprofit that allows the three public courses to remain open while plans for redevelopment move forward.
The project also arrives amid ongoing legal challenges. Just days before Trump’s announcement, a judge ruled in a lawsuit brought by the D.C. Preservation League that the administration could not proceed with major changes to East Potomac Golf Links without providing advance notice, meaning preservation and regulatory requirements may continue to influence the project’s schedule.
Part of a Broader Vision for Washington
The golf course renovation is one of several high-profile federal projects Trump has promoted as part of his effort to reshape Washington, D.C. His administration has also announced plans for a new White House ballroom, work on repainting the Reflecting Pool, and a proposal for a new commemorative arch. Trump has also pointed to the restoration of 73 statues, monuments, and fountains during his administration as part of a wider campaign to improve the capital’s public spaces.
In his Truth Social post, Trump argued that rebuilding East Potomac Golf Links could “bring tremendous success and prestige back” to Washington while preserving public access to the facility.
Although Trump expressed confidence that construction would “go quickly,” the project’s timeline may ultimately depend on how ongoing legal proceedings and historic preservation requirements are resolved. Representatives for the Interior Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the announcement.
