Donald Trump is making a move to take over a group of golf courses in Washington, D.C., currently managed by the National Links Trust.
Needless to say, the move is not going over well with Democrats.
The organization managing the courses was served a default notice on Oct. 29, but no reasons were given concerning the circumstances that led to the situation.
The National Links Trust (NLT) currently operates three golf courses in the Washington, D.C., area.
The East Potomac Park course is a very popular downtown area spot that features both 9- and 18-hole options, a driving range, and mini golf for the family. Fees range from about $9 to $42 for a round during the weekdays.
Rock Creek Park Golf Course has been undergoing restoration work, and the course has a magnificent landscape that makes it a must-play for golfers in the D.C. area. There is no date posted on the website for when the course is expected to reopen.
The Langston Golf Course is a course draped in civil rights history, as one of the oldest African American golf clubs. Rates for a round of golf range from about $15 to $34 on weekdays.
As an avid golfer, I can tell you that even for a municipal course, these fees are extremely reasonable, as it is tough to play a round for under $50 these days, so I am sure these courses see significant traffic all year round.
Trump, however, is apparently not too thrilled with the current state of upkeep on the courses, giving the NLT 45 days from the date of notice to rectify all concerns or lose management control over the facilities.
Since the notice was given on Oct. 29, the administration is set to assume management of the courses imminently.
The NLT responded, “National Links Trust appreciates the President’s interest in the D.C. golf courses and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with the administration to improve these historically significant facilities.”
Trump clearly knows how to take care of golf courses, but that is not how liberals and Democrats are seeing the situation. As far as they are concerned, Trump is abusing his office to enrich his family business.
For instance, Charles Allen, a member of the D.C. Council, responded, “These are historic, important public courses that have a rich history of affordability and access. It concerns me to have the Trump administration terminate the lease for, let’s be honest, made-up reasons. It seems to be about a grab of the land for the wealthy and well connected.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) added, “Trump should focus less on vanity projects and personal vendettas and spend more time lowering costs for the American people.” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) also chimed in, saying, “He thinks government property belongs to him … it reflects the same mentality as bulldozing the East Wing. I haven’t heard anyone in the District, Maryland or Virginia say what the area needs is some Trump-run golf courses.”
If Trump tries to add these courses to his stable of facilities, it is going to be a major problem for the administration and Republicans. He also needs to make sure these courses remain public and affordable and do not turn into fancy golf resorts. If he can do that, I am all for the move. Otherwise, it just becomes another self-inflicted wound that Republicans will have to deal with in the 2026 and 2028 election cycles.
