URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has announced an ambitious plan to take over Washington, D.C.’s public golf courses, specifically eyeing the East Potomac Golf Links. This development, revealed in an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal, is linked to an unexpected logistical issue stemming from the demolition of the White House’s East Wing.
The proposal emerged after aides considered options for the dirt generated by the demolition. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum suggested a strategic move: transporting the soil to East Potomac, which requires fill to elevate it above the floodplain of the Potomac River for any substantial redesign. Trump reportedly deemed this idea “brilliant.”
In a recent interview from the Oval Office, Trump expressed his desire to transform the city’s municipal golf courses into world-class venues, stating, “If we do them, we’ll do it really beautifully.” This vision, however, has raised concerns among Washington’s golf community, with many fearing that Trump’s plans could lead to increased costs and reduced accessibility for local residents. Trump has countered these worries by claiming that D.C. residents will benefit from lower rates than outside golfers.
At the heart of this dispute is the National Links Trust, a nonprofit organization that operates under a 50-year lease to manage East Potomac, Rock Creek Park Golf, and Langston Golf Course, which holds historical significance for Black golfers. Earlier this year, the Trump administration warned the Trust of a potential lease default unless they accepted the dirt from the East Wing demolition. Shortly thereafter, dump trucks began delivering the soil to the golf complex.
However, recent reports indicate that relations between the Trump administration and the National Links Trust have soured. Officials have issued a formal notice of default, and Trump has stated that if the nonprofit does not resolve the matter by August 31, 2023, the golf courses could revert to federal control. This move would clear the way for Trump’s redevelopment initiatives, potentially reshaping the landscape of public golf in the nation’s capital.
The implications of this takeover are significant. Local golfers, many of whom cherish the accessibility of these public courses, are left wondering about the future of their beloved greens. As the deadline approaches, the urgency for a resolution escalates. The community is closely monitoring these developments, as the outcome could redefine recreational golfing in Washington, D.C., for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
