A federal judge has warned the Trump administration to proceed cautiously with plans to redevelop a historic Washington DC golf course, after it emerged that debris from the demolished White House East Wing, containing toxic metals, was dumped at the site. District court judge Ana Reyes, during an emergency hearing on Monday, likened the situation to an episode of the television comedy Parks and Recreation, cautioning that there would be “serious consequences” if the administration acted without proper notice.
The hearing was prompted by an application for a temporary restraining order filed by the DC Preservation League, which opposes the transformation of the East Potomac golf links into an exclusive championship course. The Washington Post reported that soil data published by the National Park Service (NPS) showed rubble from the White House East Wing, demolished in October to make way for a new ballroom, tested positive for lead, chromium and other toxic metals at the golf course.
Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks for the NPS, told the court that no major renovation work was imminent, but conceded a “safety assessment” was underway. Judge Reyes ordered the government to provide reasonable notice if it planned to close the course, cut down more than ten trees, or bring in construction equipment, warning against a “act first and ask forgiveness later” approach.
The dispute centres on Trump’s reported plans to “dramatically remake parts of Washington’s waterfront”, including a “national garden of American heroes”, as revealed in a fundraising document obtained by the Washington Post. The president terminated a 50-year lease held by the non-profit National Links Trust in December, claiming the course had deteriorated. The DC Preservation League first sued in February and sought an emergency order after reports of the course’s imminent closure.
The toxic soil findings were first published in January by the podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out. Rebecca Miller, executive director of the DC Preservation League, said the course should remain public and accessible to all. The NPS has not commented on the toxic metal levels.
