Trump needs to focus on ending the Iran war — not making over a D.C. golf course
President Trump plans to tear down a historic public golf course in beloved East Potomac Park so he can create an elite playground for himself and his billionaire buddies, writes Jenice Armstrong.
Each year, only 1% to 2% of all golfers manage to score a hole in one. In other words, it hardly ever happens.
But on July 13, 1992, my father, the late McKinley J.H. Armstrong, hit one. I recently dug through a box of mementos in my basement and managed to find one of his prized possessions — a framed certificate from the National Hole in One Registry — proving that’s indeed what happened on a swelteringly hot day at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C.
It took place a long time ago, but I’ll never forget the look on his face. He was so excited. We all were.
I was reminded of that special moment earlier this week after reading about President Donald Trump’s plan to shut down the historic public course in East Potomac Park where my dad and his buddies used to play. It’s owned by the federal government but maintained by the National Park Service — at least for now.
The president has announced plans to close down all 400 acres of East Potomac Park in mid-November so he can replace the existing golf course with an elite championship facility capable of hosting the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship.
It’s a Trumpy thing to do.
That park is heavily used by native Washingtonians and D.C. transplants for all kinds of activities besides golfing. Cyclists ride their bikes in East Potomac Park. Hikers go there to stroll on walking trails by the Potomac River or to get an up-close look at the cherry blossoms when they’re in season. The park also has indoor and outdoor tennis courts and is home to the oldest continuously operating miniature golf course in the country. It’s even a big spot for bird-watching.
When my siblings and I were young, our parents used to buy fast food and drive us to Hains Point — which is located at the southern end of the park — for impromptu picnics.
But if King Trump gets his way, the entire area will close in November just so he can turn the golf course into an exclusive playground for his billionaire golfing buddies such as Elon Musk and Tiger Woods.
That likely will price out men like my father, who was a high school teacher and basketball coach. Same thing with many of his friends.
Not that Trump cares.
» READ MORE: A judge wouldn’t let Trump put his name on the Kennedy Center. So he closed it. |Jenice Armstrong
I haven’t hung out in East Potomac Park in years. But even from afar what’s happening in the nation’s capital is hard to watch. Especially reading about the more than 400 trees that have been cut down already.
I’m not sure what it’s going to take, but he needs to be stopped from giving this beloved public golf course a gaudy Mar-a-Lago-style makeover.
I’m still mad that he got away with destroying the East Wing of the White House to build a ballroom.
Same thing with closing down the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after a federal judge wouldn’t allow him to put his name on it.
Same thing with his proposed Triumphal Arch — which I hope will never happen.
What Trump sells Americans is as fake as his spray tan.
» READ MORE: Trump’s Reflecting Pool debacle mirrors what’s ailing America | Jenice Armstrong
Meanwhile, the war in Iran drags on, costing taxpayers roughly $2 billion a day.
Americans are going hungry after Trump administration officials cut food stamps for more than 5 million recipients.
Gas and grocery prices are skyrocketing. And way too many have been left without healthcare insurance thanks to his so-called Big Beautiful Bill.
It’s so bad that even MAGA has started to wake up.
Just before my dad died in 2010, he handed me his prized set of golf clubs. They sit dusty in my basement. I’ve never used them. One day, when Trump is out of office once again, I would like to take them to East Potomac Park and tee off in his memory.
I look forward to both.
About our columnists
In contrast to news reporters, who operate within an independent, nonpartisan framework, columnists are charged with including their perspectives, opinions, and viewpoints when presenting their reporting. Inquirer columnists include Jenice Armstrong, Will Bunch, Luis F. Carrasco, Paul Davies, Daniel Pearson, Trudy Rubin, and Sabrina Vourvoulias.
