National Park Service begins removing over 500 trees from East Potomac Golf Links for Trump renovation

Oct 10, 2026

On October 10, 2026, National Park Service crews began clearing 169 trees at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., as part of a project that could remove up to 529 trees. The Interior Department characterizes the action as long-planned maintenance to eliminate hazards and restore sightlines. However, preservationists opposing President Donald Trump's $20 million to $49 million plan to convert the public grounds into a championship venue argue the clearing is connected to the overhaul and violates federal preservation law.

October 2026 tree removal operations

▪Workers operated a tree harvester to remove a tree at East Potomac Golf Links on October 10, 2026, while golfers continued playing on the course.
▪National Park Service Mall Superintendent Kevin Griess stated that tree clearing was initiated in October 2026 after receiving temporary workforce support of 20 to 50 trained personnel for grounds maintenance.
▪National Park Service crews began removing 169 trees at East Potomac Golf Links on October 10, 2026, as part of a project that could clear up to 529 trees.

Court disclosures on tree clearing

▪Lawyers for the Trump administration stated in court that approximately 150 trees had already been cut down at East Potomac Golf Links prior to October 2026.
▪The National Park Service stated in a court filing that a second phase of clearing at East Potomac Golf Links will remove another 90 trees following the initial 169-tree removal in the section known as Trash Island.
▪The Trump administration notified a federal judge about the tree-clearing operation following a court request for updates on imminent, significant construction or destructive activities at East Potomac Golf Links.

Government justifications for tree removal

▪National Park Service Mall Superintendent Kevin Griess stated in a federal court filing that no healthy trees contributing to the historical golf course, including historic cherry trees, will be removed.
▪The U.S. Interior Department stated that the tree removal implements a seven-year-old plan to address overgrowth and conduct required stewardship at East Potomac Golf Course.
▪National Park Service Mall Superintendent Kevin Griess asserted in a court filing that the planned tree management project is separate maintenance carried out irrespective of any future golf course redesign.
▪The U.S. Interior Department stated that vegetation management at East Potomac Golf Links is intended to restore historic character and reopen sightlines to the Washington Monument, National War College, Potomac River, and Washington Channel.

Concerns from historic preservationists

▪Cultural Landscape Foundation President Charles A. Birnbaum stated that the tree-clearing operations at East Potomac Golf Links require reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
▪Historic preservationists stated that tree-clearing operations at East Potomac Golf Links go beyond merely chopping down dying or damaged trees.

Proposed golf course transformation

▪President Donald Trump has proposed transforming the public East Potomac Golf Links into an 18-hole championship-caliber golf venue capable of hosting major PGA Tour events.
▪President Donald Trump visited East Potomac Golf Links accompanied by a cabinet member and a golf course architect while reviewing course blueprints.
▪A top fundraiser for Donald Trump has been soliciting private donors for the proposed East Potomac golf course renovation and a nearby National Garden of American Heroes.
▪The National Park Service estimated the preliminary cost scope of the East Potomac Golf Links renovation between $20 million and $49 million, with bid solicitations set to begin in January 2027.

Federal lawsuit over the renovation

▪U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who is presiding over the East Potomac Golf Links lawsuit, stated during a hearing that she had received threats from individuals demanding she save the trees.
▪The DC Preservation League and two local golfers filed a federal lawsuit in February 2026 alleging the proposed East Potomac Golf Links renovation violates the 1897 congressional act creating the park.

Local residents' concerns

▪Local residents express concern that converting the 106-year-old public East Potomac Golf Links into an upscale venue will increase player fees and reduce available public space.
▪Local residents expressed concern that planned changes at East Potomac Golf Links risk altering the character of a venue that has served Washingtonians of all income levels for over a century.

Debatable claims

▪Converting East Potomac Golf Links into an elite venue undermines its public park mission
▪The National Park Service's tree removal at East Potomac requires formal historic preservation review
▪Removing 500 trees at East Potomac Golf Links is a disproportionate response to vegetation overgrowth
▪National Park Service tree clearing at East Potomac Links is routine maintenance rather than course redesign