From Vox · Cameron Peters · · 1m 20s
Trump wants to seize a public golf course
The president announced plans to close East Potomac Golf Links for renovation, sparking a legal fight over his power to reshape Washington.
In brief
The president announced plans to close East Potomac Golf Links for renovation, sparking a legal fight over his power to reshape Washington. Trump announced plans to close East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC for renovation, eliminating a public park and historic cherry trees, setting up a major legal battle over…
Trump announces golf course takeover
On Sunday, Trump announced that East Potomac Golf Links, a municipal golf course on the Potomac River in Washington, DC, would close next month for restoration work.
The plan eliminates public space
According to a rendering of the restoration, the new course would transform a three-course complex into a single professional-caliber course, eliminating a popular public park and multiuse road around the course.
Historic cherry trees at risk
The current course is home to some of DC's historic cherry trees, which would be removed as part of Trump's renovation scheme.
Trump claims absolute authority
Trump has said that his administration has an absolute right to renovate the course and does not need approval, setting up a clash with federal courts.
“an absolute right”
Legal battle already underway
A DC preservation group has sued over the plan. A DC District Court judge is already questioning the removal of more than five hundred trees from the course.
In short
Trump announced plans to close East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC for renovation, eliminating a public park and historic cherry trees, setting up a major legal battle over presidential authority.
