Donald Trump pushes Washington D.C. golf course overhaul and faces reflecting‑pool vandalism controversy

President Donald Trump announced that the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. will undergo a major renovation starting September 1. The redesign, overseen by golf‑course architect Tom Fazio and the Interior Department, is billed as creating “one of the Greatest Golf Courses anywhere in the World” and capable of hosting major tournaments such as the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship. After a lawsuit by the nonprofit National Links Trust, the administration reached a May agreement allowing the trust to continue operating the course while the federal renovation proceeds.

At the same time, the administration’s $14‑$16 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has encountered serious problems. Shortly after the pool was refilled, a green algae bloom appeared and a 350‑foot gash was discovered in the newly applied blue coating. The National Park Service confirmed the liner had been cut with a sharp knife or razor, and about 70 fence‑post tops were thrown into the water. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reported seven arrests, seven federal citations and 18 police reports. President Trump has blamed “radical‑left vandals” for the damage, claiming the algae has been removed and promising further treatment around the July 4 celebrations.