President Donald Trump has indicated that his planned renovation of the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington D.C. could accommodate major professional golf tournaments.
Trump, who surveyed several construction projects around the nation's capital on Sunday, posted on social media that the completed course "will have the ability to host Major Golf Tournaments, including The U.S. Open, The Ryder Cup, The PGA Championship, and other top PGA Tour events."
The president was joined at the course by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, aides, and golf course architect Tom Fazio and his son, Gavin Fazio. The redevelopment project is currently the subject of a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court.
It remains unclear when such tournaments could be held at the course, as event locations are typically determined years in advance. U.S. Open locations are scheduled through 2051, with potential openings in 2043, 2046, and 2048. The PGA Championship schedule extends through 2035.
Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the current condition of the golf course's grass and sprinkler system. Debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing has also been deposited on the grounds, and the National Park Service has stated that this debris tested positive for lead, chromium, and other toxic metals.
Work on the golf course is slated to begin on September 1, according to Trump's social media post. During his tour, the president also observed updates to Lafayette Park and drove around the area where he has proposed building a triumphal arch.
In a separate social media post, Trump announced plans to meet with Janeese Lewis George, who won the Democratic primary for Washington's mayor. Trump referred to Lewis George as a "Communist" in his post.
Lewis George stated at a press conference on Thursday that she would collaborate with anyone, including the president, for the benefit of D.C. residents. However, she emphasized that she would not commit in advance to requests from the administration that might compromise the locally elected government.