Trump Administration Moves to Take Over East Potomac Golf Links

President Donald Trump plans to convert East Potomac Golf Links, a public 36-hole course opened in 1919, into a championship-level course and add a National Garden of American Heroes. The administration will assume the lease after ending the National Links Trust’s 50-year lease, and intends tree removal and deferred maintenance.

The Independent

East Potomac Park was created by the 1897 act for public recreation. The National Links Trust’s lease, due to run to 2070, was terminated in January 2025. The renovation ties to the nation’s 250th-anniversary agenda, which includes a $40 million garden and a $34 million NEH grant, following the East Wing demolition.

CNN

The plan draws $34 million from the NEH, $40 million from a policy bill, and seeks $50 million in private donations. The National Links Trust spent $8 million on upgrades and paid $600,000 in rent. The garden envisions 250 statues at a cost over $40 million. Judge Reyes capped tree removal at 10 trees without notice.

CNN

Turning a historic public course into a championship venue could currently restrict low-income access. Lead-laden debris from the White House demolition raises health concerns. The case tests compliance with the 1897 park-preservation law.

New York Times

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said the National Garden of American Heroes will “reflect the awesome splendor of our country’s timeless exceptionalism.” The foundation calls it a tribute to “hundreds of historically significant Americans.” The National Links Trust said it will keep the course open until a formal termination.

CNN

The D.C. Preservation League and Democracy Forward argue the plan breaches the 1897 public-recreation mandate and environmental law. Soil tests show lead, chromium and other toxins from the East Wing debris. The garden’s 250 statues include controversial figures like Christopher Columbus, prompting cultural objections.

Daily Beast

• “I do not want a situation where something has happened and then I'm being told by the government or by a foundation or by a bulldozing company that it's too late to do anything about it.” — Judge Ana C. Reyes

Law & Crime

• “Let’s just say, given some issues around the District recently, I would have a particular concern that we not act first and ask forgiveness later,” — Judge Ana C. Reyes

New York Post

• “We can’t have bulldozers taking down trees … and no one has come to me first,” — Judge Ana C. Reyes

New Republic

• “to save this important part of our national park system from being another casualty of a reckless administration.” — Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward

Daily Beast

Judge Reyes ordered the Justice Department to file a response on tree-cutting and closure notices within days. The administration must also obtain approvals from the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission before any major construction begins.

CNN