Trump proposes upscale redesign of East Potomac Golf Links, sparking local opposition

President Donald Trump has announced plans to redevelop the East Potomac Golf Links, a public course that opened in 1919, into a venue capable of hosting major tournaments such as the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. The proposal, outlined in a social-media post in June, calls for an 18-hole, championship-quality layout that interior officials say will be offered at "highly discounted rates."

Local users of the park expressed apprehension that the redesign could raise fees and restrict access to a facility that has long been valued for its affordability and central location. "It takes away the history of the links here as well as deprives people of having a reasonably inexpensive place to play that is readily accessible to everyone," said Joe Foley, a 70-year-old golfer who recently paid $36 for nine holes.

A lawsuit has been filed alleging that the redevelopment would violate the 1897 congressional act that created the park for "the recreation and the pleasure of the people." The government is contesting the plaintiffs' standing, while U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes noted the need for proper approval but said she has not seen evidence of procedural violations in this case.

Critics also pointed to recent actions at the park, including the removal of dozens of trees and the placement of debris from the White House East Wing, which tested positive for lead and other metals. "The government currently is either playing by a different set of rules or just not playing by any rules at all," said cyclist Jason Levitt, who has used the park’s bike paths for two decades.

Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the potential tourism benefits of a world-class golf facility but emphasized the importance of maintaining public access. "We still need public access," she told reporters after a sports-focused event.

The redevelopment plan arrives amid broader federal projects in the capital, including a proposed White House ballroom and a planned triumphal arch, underscoring the administration's ongoing influence over local amenities.