Trump Golf Course Controversy Grows

Loudoun County takes a closer look at impact of tree clearing on Potomac River

Donald Trump’s biggest business venture in Washington, D.C. is now being investigated for its handling of a beautification process.

The Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District is investigating the environmental impact of a massive tree clearing project along the Potomac River. 

Last summer, the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Va., removed nearly 500 trees along the riverbanks. It was part of a renovation project aimed at improving the landscape area near the club’s two golf courses.

Trump told the Washington Post, “The trees that were taken down were in terrible condition.”

The group Potomac Conservancy has been pushing for the golf club to replant trees. They say trees along the Potomac River prevent reduce topsoil erosion and keep harmful pollutants from entering the water.

“The cost for Trump’s flow of sediment and pollutants is now borne by county residents, who pay neighboring Fairfax County to filter water at its Potomac River treatment plant,” said Chris Simmons, the Conservation District’s vice chair.

The Trump organization has supported planting tall grass along the Potomac, but stopped short of planting more trees.

Trump's group did recently plant trees along a planned golf course in Scotland -- and that planting was criticized for the attempt to build barriers with neighbors, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The Trump National Gold Club has not responded to the Conservation District’s recent investigation.

Contact Us