Trump’s golf course showdown tees off in DC

Thank you for signing up!

Subscribe to more newsletters here

It’s Monday. New week, fresh start and another chance to convince ourselves we’ve got it all together.

DC golf course plans hit resistance

DC golf course plans hit resistance

GOP backlash over Russia grows

Affordability concerns hinder Trump message

Hegseth’s future on the line

Programming note: Hello! We are Steff Danielle Thomas and Elliott Davis filling in for Cate. Please send your tips, comments and story ideas to sthomas@thehill.com or edavis@thehill.com.

Trump’s DC golf course project lands in the rough:

The Associated Press | Julia Demaree Nikhinson and Mark Schiefelbein

President Trump has big plans for one of Washington, D.C.’s most popular public golf courses. But first, he’ll have to get past a federal judge who isn’t backing down on her scrutiny of the project amid mounting questions about its legality.

All eyes are on Monday’s hearing over the future of East Potomac Park, where U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes is pressing the administration for answers after crews cut down hundreds of trees earlier this month, including some of the park’s famous cherry trees.

Courtroom showdown: Reyes refused the Justice Department of Justice’s (DOJ) demand that she step aside over accusations of bias. Trump piled on Monday, calling her a “crazed lunatic” in a post on Truth Social.

Now, the judge wants to hear directly from officials who actually know Trump’s plans for the property — testimony the DOJ has so far resisted. And she’s prepared to keep the hearing going all day if that’s what it takes.

What’s Trump planning? The president unveiled a proposal Sunday to turn the affordable public course into a championship-level facility designed by famed architect Tom Fazio, with hopes of hosting major professional tournaments.

The president says the course will close Nov. 15 for a renovation lasting roughly 15 months.

But local golfers and preservationists aren’t exactly cheering. They’re worried about the future of the popular recreational space, while questions remain about the project’s cost and environmental impact.

The Hill’s Dominick Mastrangelo breaks it all down in Keeping Score. 📖 Insiders can read here.

GOP cracks widen over Trump’s Russia moves:

Trump is facing growing frustration from within his own party over Russia — and with the midterms just two weeks away, the timing isn’t ideal.

Republicans are pushing back against the president’s decision to waive sanctions against Moscow, just days before they were set to take effect under a law Congress passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Darline Graham (R-S.C.) have pushed back on the move, while........

© The Hill