Interior Department Disputes Claim That East Wing Debris Has Toxic Metals

The Interior Department has disputed claims that debris from the White House East Wing contains hazardous materials.

Interior spokesperson Katie Martin said on May 5 that the soil had undergone repeated testing by multiple parties and met all legal safety standards. While declining to comment on ongoing litigation, she emphasized that proper procedures were followed to ensure that the material posed no risk to the public.

The response follows a report from a Virginia-based engineering firm alleging that soil from the East Wing construction site—where a new ballroom is being built—contains toxic metals, PCBs, pesticides, petroleum byproducts, and other chemicals at levels exceeding laboratory reporting limits. The same report noted similar findings in soil at East Potomac Golf Links, which President Donald Trump aims to renovate.

According to the report, which was commissioned by the National Park Service and prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., debris removal began in October 2025. By last month, more than 30,000 cubic yards of excavated soil had been transported to the golf course.

Nonprofit organization DC Preservation League has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the dumping may be both illegal and hazardous. The group is also challenging the administration’s control over the golf course and other sites in Washington.

Rebecca Miller, the organization’s executive director, said that experts are still reviewing the engineering findings. She added that the group is concerned about compliance with federal laws such as the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Miller also described visible impacts at the golf course, noting that piles of debris are widespread enough to force golfers to navigate around them. She pointed out that photos of the situation are easily found online.

She further argued that plans to transform the 105-year-old course into a professional-level facility would permanently change its historic design and character.

Democracy Forward, a legal group representing the Preservation League, said in a statement that the situation requires closer examination, particularly regarding the potential presence of toxic substances in the dumped materials.

The group cited government test results that it says indicate a mixture of contaminants was deposited at East Potomac Park and that dumping continued despite signs of hazardous content.

In response, Martin reiterated that the Interior Department remains committed to maintaining safe, accessible, and high-quality recreational spaces, adding that it continues to work with local golf communities to ensure that the courses serve residents and visitors alike.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.