US President Donald Trump has announced plans to redevelop the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, into what he described as one of the world's premier public golf courses. In a statement posted on X via RapidResponse on June 28, 2026, Trump detailed his recent tour of various landmarks across the capital, including the Reflecting Pool, Lafayette Park, and the golf course, noting that many had been restored after years of graffiti, vandalism, and neglect.
Trump Highlights Restoration of Monuments and Public Spaces
Trump wrote, "I just returned from a tour of various Statues, Monuments, Fountains and, most importantly, an old and run down Golf Course located throughout Washington, D.C., our Nation's Capital. Almost all of the Statues, Monuments, and Fountains have been completely renovated and restored, and are in, after suffering years of Graffiti, Abuse, and Vandalism, perfect shape." He added, "They are truly beautiful, even nicer than the day they were built. The Reflecting Pool is now in full use after suffering great damage from Criminal, Radical Left Vandals, people that truly hate our Country."
Referring to damage at the Reflecting Pool, Trump alleged that vandals had deliberately cut its waterproof lining, causing extensive damage. He stated, "They cut the lower surface of a very expensive and strong waterproof padding, in the color of American Flag Blue, and put their hands underneath the surface, and ripped it. Likewise, they cut and butchered a 350 foot long strip, with many 1 and 2 foot individual cuts, creating great damage to this beautiful piece of art that was, last week, 100% free of leaks, and any of the other problems it has had since its building in 1922."
Plans for East Potomac Golf Links
Trump praised the restoration work at Lafayette Park before turning his focus to the East Potomac Golf Links. He noted that renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio and his son Gavin Fazio participated in the site visit and will oversee the redesign. Trump said, "Tom Fazio, the Great Golf Course Architect, and his son, Gavin, participated on the tour with us, whereupon it was determined that, on this fantastic site, with water and unparalleled views of D.C.'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."
He added that the course will have the ability to host major tournaments, including the US Open, the Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship, and other top PGA Tour events. Trump emphasized that years of neglect had left the course in poor condition, with dead grass, damaged trees, and a broken sprinkler system. He described the greens as "virtually unplayable" and noted that the sprinklers are "incapable of even doing 10% of what is needed."
Timeline and Scope of Redevelopment
Trump stated that work on the new course will begin on September 1, 2026, with Tom Fazio as the course architect. The project will be carried out through the Department of the Interior and designed to the highest standards of golf, while remaining accessible to the general public. Trump concluded, "The Course is virtually unplayable! Work on the new Course, which will go quickly, will begin on September 1st. Tom Fazio will be the Course Architect. It will be built through the Department of the Interior, and designed to the Highest Standards of Golf, but also in such a way that the General Public will love it."
