WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday toured some of his construction projects around the nation's capital, later hinting that his redevelopment of the East Potomac Golf Links will make it a venue for a prestigious tournament.
“When finished this Course will be able to host Major Golf Tournaments including The U.S. Open, The Ryder Cup, The PGA Championship and other top PGA Tour Events,” Trump said on social media.
Trump played the golf course with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, several aides, and the course architect Tom Fazio and his son Gavin Fazio. A lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court over the president's reconstruction of the course.
The course is unlikely to hold any big tournaments any time soon, with venues chosen several years in advance. U.S. facilities Open tournaments are scheduled through 2051, there are slots in 2043, 2046 and 2048. PGA Championship locked through 2035.
Trump’s post complained about the quality of the grass and sprinkler system for the public golf course, while debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing has been thrown on the grounds. Last month, the National Park Service announced that the debris tested positive for lead, chromium and other hazardous elements.
Construction on the golf course will start Sept. 1, Trump said in his statement. The president also visited improvements at Lafayette Park on the north side of the White House and drove his convoy around the spot where he hopes to install a triumphal arch.
In a separate post, the president said he would meet with Janeese Lewis George, who won the Democratic primary for Washington’s mayor. Trump called George a "Communist" in his post.
Lewis George said at a news conference Thursday that she would “work with anyone including the president for the best interest of D.C. residents” as the next likely mayor, but warned she would not comply “in advance” to requests from the administration that could undermine the locally elected government.
