President Trump has intensified his conflict with a federal judge overseeing renovation plans for the East Potomac Golf Links, stating he will deem her "fully responsible" for any fatalities occurring at the site. Trump asserted in a Truth Social post that the 36-hole course, situated near the White House, is in a "highly dangerous, dilapidated, and absolutely disgusting" state.
"We will hold the judge, Ana C. Reyes, fully responsible for anybody who is hurt, or killed, on this very dangerous, dilapidated, and unsightly Golf Course," Trump wrote. He cited "gaping holes in the driving range’s ‘protective’ netting" as a significant hazard, claiming golf balls have soared through these openings and struck golfers, including a White House staffer.
Trump also described the driving range building as "falling apart" with "terrible" structural stability, adding that exposed nails and disintegrating wood pose a danger, particularly to younger golfers. He concluded this assessment by stating, "Not a good situation!"
Trump's administration has been pursuing a comprehensive overhaul of the East Potomac complex, intending to transform it into an 18-hole championship-style course. A new design by architect Tom Fazio was revealed on October 18, accompanied by plans to close the course for 15 months of renovations beginning November 15.
However, these renovation plans have encountered opposition from local residents and a legal challenge from the DC Preservation League and other plaintiffs. These groups have expressed concern that Trump's designs would eliminate existing biking and running trails on the property.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, appointed by President Biden, has imposed restrictions on the administration, preventing the removal of trees and any "irreparable modification" to the course. This judicial intervention has drawn Trump's strong disapproval. He criticized the driving range's current state, stating it should offer "stunning views of the Washington Monument, not of a barren, debris-ridden wasteland." He further declared, "The driving range should NOT be a threat to life and limb. The current condition of the golf course is a National Disgrace."
In May, Reyes had ordered the Trump administration to provide advance notice before cutting more than 10 trees. The dispute resurfaced on October 9 when the White House informed the court of plans to cut "up to 529 trees," a filing made just before the end of business on the Friday preceding Columbus Day weekend. The administration subsequently proceeded to cut down hundreds of trees.
In response, Reyes convened an emergency hearing and expanded her injunction against construction work, extending the block again following a hearing on Monday.