The Trump administration terminates leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C. over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump terminated the lease agreements for three historic public golf courses in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. These include Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac, which are centrally located within the city. East Potomac, in particular, sits prominently within sight of the Washington Monument, offering players a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. This decision reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated the three golf courses as a nonprofit organization for about five years, claiming to have invested $8.5 million in renovating the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan has been submitted, with architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling leading the projects pro bono. The investments so far have doubled both the number of rounds played and revenue during NLT’s tenure.
In mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the leases, claiming that NLT violated contract terms—a claim NLT denied and found bewildering. In October, the government controversially dumped debris from the White House East Wing demolition onto East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Executes Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the administration acted on this threat, ending the 50-year lease agreements with NLT, citing failure to meet required investments and contractual obligations. The golf courses mostly occupy land owned by the National Park Service under the Department of the Interior.
The NLT expressed deep disappointment, stating it has fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure a promising future for public golf in Washington, D.C., and strongly disputes the government’s accusations of breaches. The Interior Department responded by affirming the administration’s commitment to serving the American people alongside partners with shared goals.
East Potomac at Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has emerged as a focal point in the president’s plans. With its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the course’s renovation is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. However, sources familiar with government intentions report Trump’s plan to transform East Potomac into a championship-level venue capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup, though the next available Ryder Cup slot is not until 2041, with 2037 slated for Congressional Golf Club near D.C. Trump’s vision also includes replacing the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who maintains professional ties to the president.
In December, the president pledged that D.C. residents would continue to play at discounted rates on a Trump-designed course, though this contrasts with Trump’s twelve privately operated courses worldwide, known for high fees.