Trump's national security warning: Golf course deemed "deadly danger" to White House staff
Donald Trump has demanded the immediate closure of Washington's East Potomac Golf Course after claiming a White House staff member was struck in the chest by a stray golf ball
President Donald Trump has called for an immediate shutdown of a public golf facility in Washington, D.C., after alleging that a White House staffer suffered an injury when a golf ball flew into an area where people were present.
In a Truth Social post on Thursday, October 29, Trump criticised the condition of East Potomac Golf Links, arguing that damaged infrastructure and inadequate protection around its driving range had created an unacceptable safety risk.
“Golf balls soar through the holes at high speed and hit unexpecting Golfers—including a White House staffer who was, sadly, hit violently in the chest. The driving range building itself is falling apart, and its structural stability is terrible. It should be closed immediately for safety reasons! The exposed nails and disintegrating wood also endanger young Golfers — Not a good situation!” the post said.
Trump did not identify the injured staff member or provide further details about the person's condition.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident have not been independently established in the available reporting.
The president also argued that Washington residents deserved a safer and better-maintained facility, promising that a redevelopment would improve the experience for local golfers.
“The people of Washington, D.C., (and the Nation!) deserve so much better, like a beautiful, safe, affordable, accessible, sanitary, and CLEAN driving range! No one will be more thrilled by our plans to renovate the Course and Driving Range than the Local Golfers who have played there for years, and have begged to have their Home Course brought into pristine condition. The driving range should provide Golfers with stunning views of the Washington Monument, not of a barren, debris-ridden wasteland. The driving range should NOT be a threat to life and limb.”
A safety complaint becomes part of a wider legal battle
The demand for closure comes amid an ongoing dispute over Trump's plans to transform the historic public course into a championship-level facility.
East Potomac Golf Links has long provided relatively affordable golf in the nation's capital. However, Trump's proposed overhaul has faced opposition from preservation advocates and local golfers concerned about the impact on the park and public access.
The dispute escalated after hundreds of trees were removed from the site earlier this month. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes subsequently issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting further tree removal or damage and requiring advance written notice before certain irreversible changes.
Trump has criticised the judge and indicated that his administration intends to appeal.
Federal officials have also said the course is expected to close on November 15 as the government moves forward with plans for redevelopment, although the project remains subject to legal and procedural requirements.
In his latest post, Trump renewed his criticism of the existing facility and promised a major transformation.
“The current condition of the golf course is a National Disgrace, but we will make it a WORLD CLASS PUBLIC Golf Course that is AFFORDABLE for locals — Just like the Great and Historic Public Courses of Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black, only better, for the good of our now Beautiful Again Washington, D.C. After we are done, the East Potomac Course will be a place of immeasurable Pride for the City, all of the Golf Enthusiasts who live here, a Course worthy of and befitting our Nation’s Capital. We will hold the judge, Ana C. Reyes, fully responsible for anybody who is hurt, or killed, on this very dangerous, dilapidated, and unsightly Golf Course.”
The administration's proposed closure and redesign remain central to the legal dispute, with preservation groups challenging how the project is being carried out. A new design by golf architect Tom Fazio is expected to undergo further review.
Trump's latest safety claims add another dimension to the controversy, but they do not resolve the questions before the court. For now, the identity of the staffer who was allegedly struck, the severity of the injury and the precise circumstances of the incident remain unclear.
The immediate question is whether the planned closure and redevelopment can proceed on the administration's proposed timetable while the court's restrictions remain in force.
