politics
Trump Announces Sept. 1 Start for East Potomac Golf Course Despite Pending Court Approval
@ABC reported that President Trump announced renovation start date after touring the site and other Washington projects on June 28. A federal judge had warned of serious consequences for beginning major work without prior approvals.
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President Donald Trump stated that renovation work on the East Potomac Golf Course will begin Sept. 1. @ABC reported the announcement came during a June 28 tour of the Hains Point course in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes had warned the administration not to proceed with renovations before obtaining proper approvals and notifying the court. She stated that serious consequences would follow if major work began without those steps.
Trump toured the course with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and golf course architect Tom Fazio. He said the project will be executed through the Department of the Interior under a public-private partnership, with Fazio overseeing the redesign. The federal government terminated its lease with the nonprofit National Links Trust in December 2025.
An agreement reached in May allows the group to continue operating the course while renovation plans advance. Trump also toured Lafayette Park near the White House, Memorial Circle in front of Arlington National Cemetery where a 250-foot triumphal arch is planned, and the Kennedy Center. He said the completed East Potomac course will be capable of hosting the U.S.
Open, Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and other top PGA Tour events. Trump stated that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is now in full use after a $16 million overhaul. He added that the pool will be drained after July 4 for additional treatment.
