Park Service Could Remove More Than 500 Trees at Historic Golf Course Trump Wants to Redesign

The National Park Service has initiated tree removal at the historic East Potomac Golf Course, near the National Mall, as part of a plan to renovate the site into a championship golf course. Over 500 trees that do not contribute to the historic landscape will be taken down, according to a court filing by the National Park Service.

The agency stated that no healthy trees contributing to the historical golf course, including cherry trees, will be removed. A total of 169 trees will be removed starting Saturday, with another 90 slated for removal later. This tree removal comes as President Donald Trump aims to transform the course into a world-class golf venue, aligning with his broader vision for Washington, D.C.

Some residents worry that the planned changes may change the character of a place that has served Washingtonians for over a century, potentially leading to higher fees and loss of public space. The National Park Service acknowledged the importance of trees and said the work is part of a required stewardship of the park. The renovation project is intended to restore the course's historic character and reopen views toward landmarks like the Washington Monument, Potomac River, and Washington Channel.

The park service remains open to the public throughout the renovation, though individual holes may close temporarily for work. The 106-year-old public course has been involved in a lawsuit since February, with plaintiffs arguing that the Trump administration's reconstruction would violate the congressional act that created the park in 1897.

The Cultural Landscape Foundation, a nonprofit involved in the lawsuit, stated that the tree removal should be subject to review under the National Historic Preservation Act.