Congressional Lawmakers Question Cost and Design of East Potomac Golf Renovation

Rep. Jamie Raskin, joined by other Democratic legislators, sent a formal inquiry to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about the planned renovation of East Potomac Park’s golf facilities, which President Donald Trump intends to begin in September. The lawmakers describe the project as hurried and note that the administration has offered scant information on costs, design specifics, and the impact on existing amenities such as biking and running paths and historic cherry trees at Hains Point.

They argue that converting the courses to a professional-grade 18-hole layout could double weekend fees for local golfers and cut the number of available courses, undermining long-standing affordability and public access. The letter also raises concerns about the National Garden of American Heroes Foundation, a donor organization that allows anonymous contributions and appears tied to Trump’s 2024 campaign finance director.

Raskin requests a full cost estimate, clarification on trail and tree preservation, admission pricing, any connections between the donor group and the president, and confirmation that the project will comply with the National Historic Preservation Act’s public comment requirements. The Interior Department defended the effort, praising Trump’s commitment to improving Washington’s parks.