A proposed overhaul of the Washington, D.C. golf scene has been opposed by those who believe President Donald Trump "thinks of government property as his own."
The president is expected to make a move on the golf courses in the capital, a project unfavorably compared to Trump's remodeling of the White House. Democratic Party representative Jamie Raskin says a takeover of the golf system in D.C. is further evidence to Trump claiming government buildings as his own property.
Rep. Raskin, speaking to The Hill, said, "That ambition is reflective of a kingly approach to his job. 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."
Raskin had previously led an impeachment of Trump in the president's first term, and now he is warning that Trump is controlling more and more of the federal government directly.
Charles Allen, a member of the D.C. council, is concerned with Trump's interest and possible involvement in a takeover of the D.C. golfing parks. He said, "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," Allen continued. "It seems to be about a grab of the land for the wealthy and well connected."
"We may be in a very difficult situation depending on which route the Trump administration takes on this," the councilman added. "I think our attorney general is going to be looking at all options if there is any recourse for the district. But again the termination of a lease that everyone has worked on for so long would be really devastating."
Comparisons between Trump's attempted grab at golfing in D.C. and remodeling of the White House comes as the president is sued over the future plans for the Eisenhower Building.
A plan to coat the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with white paint has horrified leading experts in the DC Preservation League, who were part of a lawsuit filed against Trump's rapid remodeling plans. League spokesperson Rebecca Miller argued Trump had been treating the White House as his "personal portfolio".
Greg Werkheiser, one of the lawyers who filed the lawsuit, has said the issue is not in Trump's plan, but in how he wants to make the sweeping changes to historic buildings.
Werkheiser said, "Paint traps moisture, ruins the mortar, weakens and cracks the rock." Trump's wish to repaint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building was confirmed in an earlier statement from the president, where he shared his desire to change the "ugly building."