Critics slam Trump’s latest ‘vanity project’ as president lashes out at 'insane' judge

National PoliticsPresident Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Truist Arena, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Highland Heights, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)AP Photo/Jeff DeanBy Howard Koplowitz | hkoplowitz@al.comPresident Donald Trump was accused of ignoring critical issues facing Americans after he lashed out Monday at the “crazed lunatic” judge blocking his latest renovation project.On Sunday, Trump announced plans to close a historic public golf course in the nation’s capital for 15 months and redevelop it despite a court challenge to his long-sought renovation, the Associated Press reported.Trump posted on social media about his intent to shutter the East Potomac Golf Course, not far from the White House, starting Nov. 15 to make it “one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere in the World.”A judge last week, however, ordered a halt to his redevelopment plans until at least Oct. 26 after scolding the government for starting a large-scale tree removal at the course over a holiday weekend while providing little notice to the court or the plaintiffs trying to stop the makeover. On Monday, Trump claimed the trees were removed because the golf course is “very unsafe” while ripping the judge overseeing the case as a “crazed lunatic.”“The United States Department of Interior wants to take a terrible and very unsafe golf course, and make it into a great, safe, and prestigious golf course. They have an absolute right to do so. It’s as simple as that!,” Trump said in a Truth Social post Monday morning. “The judge on the case is a crazed lunatic whose courthouse tapes will reveal, may be insane? The tapes have been blocked from usage by the judge. The random golfer bringing the ridiculous lawsuit has ZERO STANDING! The experts at “Interior” are allowed to do this First Class renovation “as of right.” They do not need an approval. Work is scheduled to begin IMMEDIATELY! The finished product will be World Class, and bring income and great prestige back to D.C."Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., whose district is near the golf course, claimed Trump was “clearly lying” about the rationale for cutting down trees. He also accused the president of not prioritizing top issues facing Americans. “They were lying to conceal from the American people that, at a time when our country is at war and everyone is worried about the economy and high prices, the President simply doesn’t care—he’s focused on building an upscale golf course within walking distance of the White House. And on his fancy ballroom and his memorial arch to himself,” Beyer posted to X.Other Trump critics questioned how the president is spending his time.“In this economy, and while US soldiers are dying overseas, why is the POTUS even talking about golf courses?” said another X user.A third sarcastically said Trump was “Laser focused on the cost of living issues that are driving votes in the midterms.”Another referred to the golf course work as “Another hideous Trump vanity project.”Trump hits the campaign trail for 7 straight days. Here’s where he’s goingTrump’s ‘most likely’ successor still undecided about 2028 presidential runTrump is underwater with nearly every religious group measured in new pollDemocrats are leading midterm polls — but which party do Americans expect to win?MAGA influencer flippantly floats herself for next Trump press secretary: ‘I’m ready’Howard Koplowitz is AL.com's Breaking & Trending Reporter for afternoons and nights. He has been with AL.com since 2015 and has served in a variety of roles, ranging from coverage of Donald Trump's first...