Trump sets Sept. 1 start for D.C. golf course overhaul

Rebecca Falconer

Person in tan pants and white sneakers stands on grass, gripping a large silver rectangular case opened at an angle to reveal a green camouflage interior and printed grids inside. — A person holds architectural plans signed by President Trump as President Trump makes a visit to East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. Photo: Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump said the federal government will begin renovating East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 1.

Why it matters: The renovation of the public course is part of Trump's broader effort to reshape the nation's capital through highly visible federal projects and public-space overhauls.

What he's saying: Trump announced the plans on Truth Social after touring the golf course Sunday, which he described.

Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, staffers and golf architect Tom Fazio surveyed the course, which the president described as "old and run down" and "dilapidated, worn out, and very dangerous and outdated."
It was "determined that, on this fantastic site, with water and unparalleled views of D.C.'s Monuments, we will build one of the Greatest Golf Courses anywhere in the World which, importantly, will also be made available to the Public," he added.
"When completed, this Course will have the ability to host Major Golf Tournaments, including The U.S. Open, The Ryder Cup, The PGA Championship, and other top PGA Tour events."

The big picture: The rebuild follows a months-long fight over control of D.C.'s public golf courses.

Trump officials reached a deal with the National Links Trust in May to keep the Potomac and two other D.C. golf courses open after the administration terminated the nonprofit's 50-year lease with the National ‌Park Service.
The agreement comes days after a judge ruled in a lawsuit brought by the nonprofit D.C. Preservation League that the administration couldn't overhaul the Potomac without advance notice.

Zoom out: The course is the latest entry in Trump's remaking of D.C., where the president has launched a string of high-profile projects, including a planned ballroom, a repainted Reflecting Pool and a proposed arch.

Trump said the East Potomac course could "bring tremendous success and prestige back" to D.C., touting the 73 statues, monuments and fountains his administration says it has restored.
Representatives for the Interior Department and National Links Trust did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment Sunday afternoon.

What we're watching: While Trump said work on the course would "go quickly," legal and preservation issues surrounding the federal property could continue to shape the project's timeline.

Go deeper: Reflecting Pool repairs become personal for Trump

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Trump sets Sept. 1 start for D.C. golf course overhaul

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