WASHINGTON – The National Park Service has commenced a new round of tree-cutting at East Potomac Golf Links, signaling the start of a controversial transformation of the historic D.C. public course into a championship-level venue under the Trump administration.
According to a court filing submitted Friday, more than 500 trees deemed not to contribute to the “historic landscape” are slated for removal as part of the rehabilitation project. The agency clarified that 169 trees were scheduled for removal beginning Saturday, with an additional 90 set to be cleared at a later date. Federal officials emphasized that no healthy trees considered “contributing features” of the 106-year-old course—including the site’s historic cherry trees—will be impacted.
The renovation is a centerpiece of President Trump’s broader vision for the nation’s capital, which has already seen the removal of historic structures and significant shifts in federal land management. Trump, an avid golfer, has publicly championed the project, stating in June that the redesigned layout would eventually have the capacity to host prestigious events such as the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup, and the PGA Championship.
The Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, defended the work as the implementation of a seven-year-old plan to address “tree overgrowth.” Officials stated that the vegetation removal is essential to “restore the course’s historic character and reopen views toward landmarks,” including the Washington Monument, the Potomac River, and the National War College.
However, the project remains mired in legal challenges. Since February, groups including the DC Preservation League have been engaged in a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the reconstruction efforts violate the 1897 congressional act that established the park. Plaintiffs sought an emergency stop-work order earlier this spring, fearing that the administration’s development plans would irreparably damage the site’s character.
Local residents and advocates have expressed significant concern that the upgrade to an upscale, world-class facility will inevitably lead to higher fees and the erosion of a vital public space that has served Washingtonians of all income levels for over a century. Despite these concerns, the park service maintained that the work is a matter of “required stewardship,” and noted that the golf course will remain open to the public during the renovation, though individual holes may face temporary closures.
While the Trump administration remains focused on the potential for major tournaments, the timeline for such events remains uncertain, as host sites for top-tier professional golf events are typically determined years in advance. For now, the administration is moving forward with its clearing plan, aiming to reshape one of Washington’s oldest recreational spaces into a premier destination on the professional golf circuit.
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