Trump Sets November 15 Start for East Potomac Golf Redevelopment

President Donald Trump said East Potomac Golf Links in Washington will close November 15 for a redevelopment expected to last about 15 months, even as a federal lawsuit challenges work at the site. The planned closure and renovation timetable were announced Sunday, October 18, in social media posts. The course’s reopening date has not been specified beyond Trump’s estimate of approximately 15 months after work begins. Trump said the Department of the Interior and golf course architect Tom Fazio had developed a design for a championship-level course that would remain open to the public. He said the redesigned facility would be capable of hosting major tournaments, including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. The announcement did not confirm that any golf organization had committed to hold an event there. Trump has described the existing course as deteriorated and cited hazardous trees and a damaged seawall. He also predicted the project would create jobs and bring economic activity to the area. Those characterizations and projected benefits were his statements; the announcement did not include a project cost. The redevelopment plan comes amid litigation over work at East...