Trump vows to hold judge ‘fully responsible’ if anyone dies at ‘very dangerous’ DC golf course
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has promised that a federal judge will be "fully responsible" if anyone is hurt or killed at a golf course in Washington, DC, intensifying his dispute with the court over renovation plans.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump focused on US District Judge Ana Reyes, claiming that East Potomac Golf Course is dangerous and run-down and arguing that his administration's renovation plans would make it safer for the public.
The comments came two days after Reyes blocked the administration from carrying out further renovations at the municipal golf course.
Trump holds judge responsible for DC golf course safety
US District Judge Ana Reyes blocked the Trump administration from making further renovations to East Potomac Golf Course, a municipal course in the nation's capital.
The president has sought to transform the course into a premier golf venue.
Reyes issued a preliminary injunction at the request of a preservationist organization after the government cut down 430 trees at the course with less than 24 hours' notice. She ordered a hearing to be held within one week.
The judge ordered the administration to provide 10 days' notice before making any “irreparable modification” to the course's “forms or features” while the case remains active.
East Potomac Golf Course is highly dangerous, dilapidated, and absolutely disgusting. Below are new photos of the deplorable conditions of the driving range building, including excrement in the stairwell. The gaping holes in the driving range’s “protective” netting are highly hazardous. Golf balls soar through the holes at high speed and hit unexpecting Golfers—including a White House staffer who was, sadly, hit violently in the chest. The driving range building itself is falling apart, and its structural stability is terrible. It should be closed immediately for safety reasons! The exposed nails and disintegrating wood also endanger young Golfers — Not a good situation! The people of Washington, D.C., (and the Nation!) deserve so much better, like a beautiful, safe, affordable, accessible, sanitary, and CLEAN driving range! No one will be more thrilled by our plans to renovate the Course and Driving Range than the Local Golfers who have played there for years, and have begged to have their Home Course brought into pristine condition. The driving range should provide Golfers with stunning views of the Washington Monument, not of a barren, debris-ridden wasteland. The driving range should NOT be a threat to life and limb. The current condition of the golf course is a National Disgrace, but we will make it a WORLD CLASS PUBLIC Golf Course that is AFFORDABLE for locals — Just like the Great and Historic Public Courses of Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black, only better, for the good of our now Beautiful Again Washington, D.C. After we are done, the East Potomac Course will be a place of immeasurable Pride for the City, all of the Golf Enthusiasts who live here, a Course worthy of and befitting our Nation’s Capital. We will hold the judge, Ana C. Reyes, fully responsible for anybody who is hurt, or killed, on this very dangerous, dilapidated, and unsightly Golf Course. GOD BLESS AMERICA! President DONALD J. TRUMP ( TS: Oct 28 2026, 10:43 PM ET )
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) October 29, 2026
Trump took to Truth Social to post a lengthy criticism of the golf course's condition and Reyes. The president said the judge would be held “fully responsible for anybody who is hurt, or killed, on this very dangerous, dilapidated, and unsightly Golf Course.”
“East Potomac Golf Course is highly dangerous, dilapidated, and absolutely disgusting. Below are new photos of the deplorable conditions of the driving range building, including excrement in the stairwell”
“We will hold the judge, Ana C Reyes, fully responsible for anybody who is hurt, or killed, on this very dangerous, dilapidated, and unsightly Golf Course.”
Trump’s Washington DC renovation projects face scrutiny
East Potomac Park is the latest location Trump has sought to renovate in Washington, DC.
The president has also devoted considerable time and resources to building a ballroom where the White House's East Wing once stood.
He has covered up the Rose Garden, installed a presidential "Walk of Fame" and overseen the poorly executed renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Trump has also tried to have his name associated with the Kennedy Center.
Trump has described the renovations as improvements to public spaces and government buildings in the capital. His latest comments come just days before the midterm elections, in which voters will decide which party controls both chambers of Congress.
The legal dispute over East Potomac Golf Course is ongoing, and the judge's order continues to restrict the administration's renovation plans.
