Trump shares photos of “Trash Island” amid legal dispute over D.C. golf course

Trump shares photos of “Trash Island” amid legal dispute over D.C. golf course

Trump shares images of what he calls “Trash Island” to criticize a federal judge overseeing litigation over his plans to renovate the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C.

Richard Miniter
First Published: October 20, 2026, 1:09 AM ET

— Donald J. Trump is criticizing a federal judge overseeing a lawsuit regarding his plans to renovate the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., a property he nicknamed “Trash Island.”

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “Here are pictures of Trash Island for the Judge to study. This is just a small area, and better than some! Trump

CURE Dr Soney

A truck sits at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington D.C. on 10/20/2026.
C2PA

A truck sits at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington D.C. on 10/20/2026.

Truth Social / Truth Social

CAR ALTR LTE 271 US DOT 101

RANGE SEPHANT STARTER GOLFERS

East Potomac Golf Course, also known as "Trash Island," is pictured in Washington, D.C. on 10/20/2026.
C2PA

East Potomac Golf Course, also known as "Trash Island," is pictured in Washington, D.C. on 10/20/2026.

Truth Social / Truth Social

DO NOT BLOC CONTAINER

SUNBELT” on October 20, 2026 at 1:00 AM ET.

A waste container and various debris are visible at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., on 10/20/2026. Former President Donald J.
C2PA

A waste container and various debris are visible at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., on 10/20/2026. Former President Donald J.

Truth Social / Truth Social

This is Trump’s 36th message released today, and the last post was 0 minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 17 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 34 of his 689 posts over the last 30 days classified as Uncategorized posts.

Trump argues the litigation is delaying his plan to transform the property into a high-caliber golf facility, according to substack. He claims the course has been badly managed for decades and is currently a nonviable and unsafe project, according to substack.

East Potomac Golf Course is pictured in Washington, D.C. on 10/20/2026.
C2PA

East Potomac Golf Course is pictured in Washington, D.C. on 10/20/2026.

Truth Social / Truth Social

Waste containers sit at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C. on 10/20/2026.
C2PA

Waste containers sit at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C. on 10/20/2026.

Truth Social / Truth Social

A field with heavy equipment and disturbed earth is pictured at Washington D.C. on 10/20/2026.
C2PA

A field with heavy equipment and disturbed earth is pictured at Washington D.C. on 10/20/2026.

Truth Social / Truth Social

Zenger analysis
C2PA

Zenger analysis

Photo by  Zenger analysis

President Trump is the author of The Art of the Deal, Think Like a Billionaire, and Think Big. Analyst and Trump supporter Rod Martin points to The Art of the Deal, Trump's 1987 book, as an explanation of his deal-making philosophy: making big announcements, pivoting often in public statements and, Martin says, ultimately getting what he wanted all along. Critics contend that Trump's books were published decades ago or were aimed at making money, not shedding light. "Generally," Martin said, "critics don't read The Art of the Deal. If they did, they would understand."


Research