Trump says East Potomac Golf Links redesign could host major tournaments

President Donald Trump inspected redevelopment work on the East Potomac Golf Links near the capital on Sunday, saying the upgraded facility could eventually accommodate premier events such as the U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and other top PGA Tour tournaments.

Trump posted on social media that the course, once completed, would have the capacity to host major golf tournaments. He toured the site with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, aides, and golf course architect Tom Fazio and his son Gavin Fazio. The project is currently the subject of a lawsuit in U.S. District Court.

The timeline for hosting major events remains uncertain, as tournament venues are selected years in advance. The U.S. Open schedule is set through 2051 with open slots in 2043, 2046 and 2048, while the PGA Championship schedule extends through 2035.

Trump noted issues with the existing grass and sprinkler system and mentioned that demolition debris from the White House East Wing had been placed on the grounds; the National Park Service previously reported that the debris contained lead, chromium and other toxic metals.

He announced that construction on the golf course would begin on Sept. 1 and also visited updates to Lafayette Park and a proposed triumphal arch site. In a separate post, Trump said he would meet with Janeese Lewis George, the Democratic mayoral primary winner, referring to her as a “Communist.”

Lewis George responded at a news conference that she would work with any officials, including the president, for the benefit of D.C. residents, but she would not pre-emptively comply with requests that could undermine local authority.