Democrats plan to freeze funds for Trump's DC construction projects

Democrats in Congress are preparing to block funding for major construction projects in Washington, D.C., as they take control of the House and Senate. The group plans to use its power over the federal budget to stop work on the East Potomac golf course and a new triumphal arch at Memorial Circle. These projects have been under way without approval from lawmakers.

President Trump launched these changes early in his second term. He ordered the removal of hundreds of trees in East Potomac Park and the demolition of the White House East Wing to make room for a ballroom. His administration also began work on a new arch and renovations to the Kennedy Center. Critics say the team bypassed standard legal reviews to move quickly before the end of his term.

Rep. Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said his party will fight back against what he calls vanity projects. He recently sent letters to administration officials and private companies, ordering them to keep their records for a future investigation. Huffman said Congress has a legal duty to authorize changes on federal land or stop them if they proceed without permission.

Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine, who leads the House committee on Interior funding, said the power of the purse is the group's strongest tool. She plans to write clear language into upcoming appropriations bills that restricts where money can be spent. Pingree said she will work with Huffman to limit funds for the golf course to seawall repairs, preventing further land use for the course.

The House and Senate must pass a short-term funding bill by Dec. 11 to avoid a government shutdown. Democrats see this vote as a chance to test their new leverage. They may include language that caps how much money can be used for D.C. projects, forcing funds to go to parks in other states like the Everglades or Yosemite.

Trump has promised to veto any bill that blocks his projects. However, legal experts note that Congress has clear authority over federal spending. If the president spends money that Congress has not appropriated, lawmakers could take him to court. Democrats hope to use this deadline to establish a precedent that the executive branch cannot build on federal land without congressional consent.