New fundraising efforts tied to President Donald Trump’s plans to reshape parts of Washington, D.C.’s waterfront include proposals for East Potomac Golf Course and a new National Garden of American Heroes project.
The National Garden of American Heroes Foundation, a newly formed nonprofit, is seeking donor support for two initiatives: developing a statuary garden and undertaking a “comprehensive redevelopment and restoration” of East Potomac. The foundation describes its mission as “revitalizing and beautifying” the National Mall and surrounding areas ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary while ensuring that “the greatest game mankind has ever invented” continues to thrive in America’s capital city.
Materials indicate the administration is considering West Potomac Park—a federally owned area near the National Mall currently used for recreation and large public events—as the site for the garden. Renderings show a formal memorial space alongside a reimagined golf course, though none of these concepts have been publicly approved. Any changes would require a lengthy federal review process.
The foundation characterizes its golf project as an effort to modernize facilities and expand access, while describing a broader vision to “elevate public space” during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. The renderings also suggest significant alterations to East Potomac Golf Course’s layout, including redesigned greens, new water features, and a footprint that differs substantially from the existing course.
The fundraising effort is linked to longtime Trump fundraiser Meredith O’Rourke, who declined to comment.
The White House has not addressed specific details of the project, with a spokesperson stating only that “President Trump continues to beautify and honor our Nation’s Capital during America’s historic semiquincentennial celebration.” Federal officials are preparing to take a more direct role in overseeing East Potomac Golf Course, with maintenance work expected to begin soon and larger renovations planned later. The course, one of the busiest in the region, may face temporary disruptions as these efforts proceed.
These proposals reflect an administration-wide push to reshape Washington’s public spaces ahead of the 250th anniversary. Officials have framed the initiatives as long-term investments aimed at restoring the capital’s appearance and functionality, including improvements to iconic areas such as the National Mall and Reflecting Pool.
While the foundation emphasizes revitalization and national commemoration, questions remain about how the plans would affect public access and the federal approval process.
