Sept. 1 is the start date Trump set for renovating Washington's public East Potomac Golf Course, even after U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes warned of "serious consequences" if major work begins without approvals and advance notice.
The project follows a lawsuit over the administration's December termination of National Links Trust's lease; a May agreement let the nonprofit keep operating the course while renovation plans move ahead.
Trump said the Department of the Interior will run the public-private overhaul, with architect Tom Fazio redesigning the course to host events such as the U.S. Open, Ryder Cup and PGA Championship.
The dispute has widened beyond golf: preservation lawyers say the property could be razed before courts can intervene, citing the administration's rapid East Wing demolition as a warning sign.