The announcement of President Donald Trump’s plan to redevelop the East Potomac Golf Links into a premier public golf course, set to begin in September 2026, has sparked a viral claim on social media. An X (formerly Twitter) post alleged that this project necessitates the removal of the city’s oldest cherry tree.
This claim, amplified by an image of cherry blossoms near the Jefferson Memorial alongside a portrait of Trump, has reignited discussions about the potential impact of the redevelopment on Washington’s well-known cherry trees.
The Allegation:
An X user, @factpostnews, posted, "The Trump administration is planning to cut down DC’s oldest cherry tree to make way for a new Trump golf course." This statement has fueled renewed public debate concerning the potential effects of the project on the capital’s iconic cherry trees.
Washington’s cherry trees, a gift from Japan in 1912 symbolizing friendship, are a significant landmark, drawing millions of visitors annually. Consequently, any suggestion of a threat to these trees is likely to provoke environmental, cultural, and political concerns, further intensifying broader discussions about the Trump administration’s development initiatives, federal land management, and the preservation of historical public spaces.
The Reality:
The assertion that the Trump administration intends to remove Washington, DC’s oldest cherry tree for a new golf course is misleading. The current endeavor involves the renovation of an existing public golf course, the East Potomac Golf Links, following the termination of a nonprofit’s lease. While some tree removal may be necessary for the project, there is no evidence to support the notion that officials plan to target the city’s oldest cherry tree or construct a private golf course.
Project plans and visual renderings indicate that certain aspects of the renovation might impact park areas and nearby cherry groves at East Potomac. However, a federal judge ruled in May 2026 that no more than 10 trees can be removed without prior notification to preservation groups. There are no confirmed reports suggesting that the city’s oldest cherry tree is among those at risk.
The earliest cherry trees, planted in 1912, are primarily situated around the Tidal Basin. East Potomac, in contrast, is known for its later-blooming Kwanzan cherry trees. The project’s focus is on revamping the existing public golf course, which will continue to be accessible to the public under the Department of the Interior’s supervision. The redevelopment is also subject to ongoing legal review.
Golf course designer Tom Fazio stated that President Trump directed him to ensure the protection of the cherry trees during the renovation. Reports from The Washington Post also indicate that the current redevelopment plans do not appear to affect the cherry tree grove.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers commented, "The President and his team will redevelop this aging golf course in the nation’s capital to restore its quality and prestige."