WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic lawmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in 2026, demanding the removal of demolition debris from the East Potomac Park golf course.

The letter stated that the debris amounted to more than 35,000 cubic yards of material left at the course following the demolition of the White House East Wing. Maryland Representatives Jamie Raskin and Glenn Ivey, Virginia Representative Don Beyer, and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton led the group of lawmakers who sent the letter.

The lawmakers wrote, "Even more troubling is your failure to release reliable test results on the potential asbestos content that may be mixed in with the demolition materials of the East Wing." They added that the debris included wires, pipes, bricks, and other materials, according to court filings. In 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing. Trump stated that a new ballroom replacing the East Wing would be privately funded without cost to taxpayers.

The lawmakers wrote, "For nearly eight months, golfers, cyclists, runners, fishermen and members of the public have been exposed to such debris, which contains dangerous levels of arsenic, lead and mercury." The Trump administration has maintained that the mound of debris at East Potomac Park does not pose a public health hazard. The Interior Department canceled its lease with the National Links Trust in 2025, and Secretary Burgum released renovation plans for the East Potomac Golf Links in May 2026. The National Links Trust had previously operated East Potomac and two other public golf courses in D.C.

Why It Matters

The continued presence of demolition debris at a public park, nearly eight months after its placement, has prompted concerns from elected officials regarding potential public health risks. The lawmakers' letter highlights issues of environmental safety and transparency, specifically citing concerns about arsenic, lead, mercury, and unreleased asbestos test results in an area frequented by the public. This situation follows the 2025 demolition of the White House East Wing and the subsequent release of renovation plans for the golf course in May 2026.