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Trump eyes a new construction project
Part-time president, full-time developer.
Cameron Peters is a staff editor at Vox.
Welcome to The Logoff: Donald Trump is eyeing a new target in his effort to remodel DC.
What’s happening? Over the weekend, the Washington Post reported that Trump is preparing a new private fundraising effort for a Trump-style “renovation” of a storied public golf course in Washington, DC.
It’s the latest sign that Trump is serious about taking over East Potomac Golf Links, which is part of the cherry tree-lined East Potomac Park near the National Mall.
The course remains open for now — reporting on Friday suggested its takeover was imminent — but a federal judge is warning the Trump administration to tread lightly, citing “a particular concern that we not act first and ask forgiveness later,” as Trump did in destroying the East Wing of the White House last year.
“I do not want a situation where something has happened, and then I’m being told by the government or by a foundation or by a bulldozing company that it’s too late to do anything about it,” District Court Judge Ana C. Reyes said on Monday.
What’s the context? Trump, a golf fanatic who owns more than a dozen courses, reportedly wants to transform the affordable, public East Potomac into something designed for championship play and more closely resembling one of his own courses. In the process, renderings suggest, he could take over much of the parkland surrounding the course.
What’s the big picture? Trump’s popularity is falling and he remains mired in an unpopular foreign war; he should, by rights, have other priorities. Nonetheless, the Washington Post found last month, he’s talking more about his ballroom project than ever and, leaning on the pretext of America’s 250th anniversary, seems eager to continue remaking DC in his image: painting the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue, pushing forward with his plan for a massive new triumphal arch, and potentially shuttering a beloved public park.
And with that, it’s time to log off…
Hi readers! It is May the Fourth, also known as Star Wars Day. Naturally, I’m here to recommend something Star Wars-y. If you haven’t watched the TV show Andor — the second and final season came out last year — now is a great time to get caught up. As the New Republic put it at the time, it’s “the best Star Wars you will ever see” (and just genuinely excellent television).
As always, thanks for reading, have a great evening, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow!
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