President Donald Trump criticized the condition of a Washington, D.C., golf course on the eve of its planned closure for a major renovation.
The National Links Trust announced in May that East Potomac Golf Links, a public course, would receive what it called a “historic restoration” from the Trump administration. The project has encountered legal obstacles. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said she would begin a formal inquiry into whether administration lawyers crossed ethical lines during a dispute over the work.
Trump called the course “Trash Island” and described it as the worst in the world, while saying the Interior Department would turn it into the best. In a Saturday post on Truth Social, he complained that Reyes was preventing a quick, low-cost renovation. He also said the course was dangerous and shared photos that appeared to show poor conditions.
Trump argued that the fairways are too close together. Walking the course, he wrote, people hear golfers shouting “Fore!” rather than the Potomac River nearby.
He said the project was moving forward and expressed hope that the judge would recognize its potential benefits for Washington. Trump predicted the renovated course would become a source of pride and receive international acclaim.
He also said the site could eventually host major tournaments, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. Local residents, he added, would be eligible to play at half price.
The course sits on federally owned land at East Potomac Park, along the Potomac River near the National Mall. It has been part of the city’s public golf scene for more than a century, and its redesign is planned by golf architect Tom Fazio.
The redevelopment has also prompted concern over the removal of trees. Reyes recently ordered a temporary pause on further cutting while a legal challenge over work at the site proceeds.
