Trump transfers Bronx golf course lease to Bally's

In New York City, the purging of Trump signs continues.

Former President Donald Trump has transferred his lease on a Bronx golf course to Bally’s, a casino operator that has been reportedly vying for one of the three new casino licenses in New York, according to city officials.

City Comptroller Brad Lander, whose office was among those that had to approve the deal, said he expected that Trump’s name will be removed from the course.

“I am delighted that Trump’s name will no longer deface city parkland,” Lander said in a statement.

The news was first reported by the New York Post. The city parks department said it expects a smooth transition.

“We are supportive of the transfer of the Ferry Point Golf Course to Bally’s, and we are confident they will deliver a high-quality golfing experience to New Yorkers,” said Dan Kastanis, a parks spokesperson, in a statement.

Bally’s officials told the New York Times earlier this year that it had reached a deal to take over 17 acres of the roughly 200-acre course known as Trump Golf Links. They also said they would remove Trump’s name from the property only if they win a right to build a casino on the location.

However, the Post cited unnamed sources as saying the golf course would in fact be renamed as Bally’s Links.

Trump has been in a legal battle with the city over the golf course dating back to former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who unsuccessfully tried to revoke the city’s lease with Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots. The rioters were spurred by the former president’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.

Trump’s name has already been removed from multiple buildings and a hotel, along with skating rinks in Central Park.

Bally’s faces a crowded field of competitors for a casino license. They include SL Green Realty, the office landlord, Hudson Yards developer Related Companies and Mets owner Steve Cohen.

The company is proposing a $2.5 billion casino project, according to the Times.