The Trump administration is reportedly set to take control of the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., initiating a redesign as part of the president's latest beautification project. Initial work at the city's busiest golf course—including landscaping, deferred maintenance, and tree-clearing—is scheduled to begin Monday, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to NOTUS.
This renovation follows other high-profile projects by President Donald J. Trump, such as the $400 million ballroom, plans for a $40 million National Garden of American Heroes, and the resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The plans align with previously approved National Park Service (NPS) proposals, and more extensive renovations are expected once a final design receives the agency's approval.
Sources told the outlet that renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio is expected to oversee the design process. The transition marks a shift in management for Washington's public golf facilities. The National Links Trust, a non-profit that previously held the lease for East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek courses, has reportedly been offered a renewed lease specifically for Rock Creek. According to a source, this offer includes a waiver of unpaid rent, intended to be redirected toward course improvements. However, the group disputed these reports, stating they had not received a formal offer from the administration regarding the Rock Creek Park Golf course.
This news was a complete surprise to us, a spokesperson for the non-profit said in a statement. We have also not received any offer of a lease at Rock Creek Park Golf. For the sake of our community and employees, we hope to have clarity as soon as possible.
An Interior Department spokesperson characterized the project as part of a commitment to improving the capital. President Donald J. Trump is fulfilling his commitment to make D.C. Safe and Beautiful as shown by record low crime rates and renovations to fountains across the capital, the spokesperson said. DOI and NPS are committed to continuing the relationships we have built with the local golf communities to ensure these courses are safe, beautiful, open, affordable, enjoyable, accessible, and world-class for people living in and visiting the greatest capital city in the world, the statement added, noting that affordability would remain a priority for the renovated facilities.
The developments at East Potomac follow reports from The Washington Post that the administration has also approached the Washington Commanders about potentially taking over the Langston Golf Course. These moves are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to renovate landmarks and public spaces across the capital, aiming to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal and functionality.
