Trump examines blueprints during East Potomac Golf Links tour as he vows to revamp 'dangerous and outdated' course

President Trump arrived at East Potomac Golf Links with a large Secret Service detail and members of his staff, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and golf course architect Tom Fazio and his son, Gavin Fazio. Images from the visit show the president greeting officials and surveying parts of the property before discussing his vision for transforming the course. Announcing that renovation work will begin on September 1, Trump insisted on social media that 'it was determined that, on this fantastic site, with water and unparalleled views of DC’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.'

The president was seen holding blueprints for the renovation during the tour. In a social media post, Trump said his trip was for 'studying the dilapidated, worn out, and very dangerous and outdated Golf Course known as East Potomac Golf Links.' He also complained about the condition of the grass and the sprinkler system for the public golf course, but debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing has also been dumped on the grounds. Outlining his vision, he said the new course will be 'designed to the Highest Standards of Golf, but also in such a way that the General Public will love it' and that when it's completed, the course will have be able to host major golf tournaments like the US Open, the Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship, and other top PGA Tour events.

Trump was also seen sharing a laugh with Natalie Harp, his executive assistant. Trump's visit coincides with broader redevelopment efforts across the nation's capital and comes just days before Independence Day celebrations in Washington. While supporters have praised the proposal as an opportunity to restore a historic public course, the project has also drawn legal scrutiny and criticism from opponents concerned about its scope and implementation.

Located along the Potomac River just south of the National Mall, East Potomac Golf Links has served golfers for nearly a century. Opened in 1921, the facility features three courses and is one of the most recognizable public golf destinations in the capital. The land is owned by the National Park Service, while the course is currently operated by the nonprofit National Links Trust under an agreement that will remain in place until federal renovation work begins. The Trust has moved to make golf more affordable and now charges green fees as low as $9.

Trump’s redevelopment plans for East Potomac Golf Links remain under judicial review after US District Judge Ana Reyes warned the administration not to start major construction without court approval. Reyes cautioned that moving forward prematurely could lead to 'serious consequences.' The dispute stems from the administration’s decision to terminate the National Links Trust’s lease in December, alleging poor maintenance, a claim the nonprofit denies. Although a May settlement allows the Trust to continue operating the course while redevelopment plans proceed, preservation groups have urged the court to block irreversible changes to the historic property until all legal challenges are resolved.

Trump’s plan to renovate the East Potomac Golf Links is one of several projects he has ordered in an effort to remake the capital. His portfolio also includes a $400 million White House ballroom and work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has been plagued by an algae crisis following a resurfacing job. He has also moved to redesign the golf course at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.