The Politics Hour: What's next for East Potomac Park golf course and federal presence at D.C. schools

A federal judge this week temporarily blocked the Trump administration from cutting down any more trees at East Potomac Golf Links. This comes after the federal government had contractors hastily chop down hundreds of trees at the public course last weekend, claiming it was related to a 2019 rehabilitation plan. For months, President Trump has threatened to take over and close the District's largest public golf course to turn it into a "championship-level" course. Virginia Congressman Don Beyer has been at the forefront of the fight to protect the course and joins the show to discuss what's next. And we ask why he and other Democrats are calling for the FAA to stop using an AI air traffic control tool.

D.C. students, staff, and parents remain very concerned about the presence of National Guard troops and federal agents near schools. Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto held a community listening session this week where residents shared their experiences. She joins Kojo and Tom to explain what she heard and what she plans to do. Plus, we get her thoughts on possible tax hikes and why D.C. police data shows one category of violent crime is on the rise.

Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia at 12 p.m. on Friday.

Produced by Matt Blitz

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