Trump announces plan to overhaul East Potomac Golf Links course

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, October 18, 2026, that an initial plan to overhaul the East Potomac Golf Links course in Washington, D.C., has been completed. The Washington Examiner and The Hill both reported that the conceptual design for the project was finalized. The Washington Post and WJLA noted that the announcement comes amid a court fight over the site. [1][2][3][5]

According to The Hill, the Department of the Interior developed the plan under Secretary Doug Burgum alongside golf course architect Tom Fazio. The Washington Examiner reported that President Trump stated the revamped site will remain open to the public while being capable of hosting major tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup. The New York Times and WJLA both reported that the plans include closing the facility for 15 months for renovations. [1][2][4][5]

USA Today separately reported that hundreds of trees have already been removed at the site. The course is located in East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., and is the busiest of the three public golf courses in the city. The original nine-hole venue opened in 1921, and additional holes added through 1925 brought the total layout to 36 holes. [6][7]

The Washington Examiner reported that President Trump noted further alterations to the design could still occur as the development proceeds. [1]