The Trump administration terminates leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C., citing investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the leases of three historic public golf courses in the nation’s capital Washington, D.C. These include the Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac courses, with East Potomac prominently located near the Washington Monument offering players superb views of the surrounding landscape. This lease termination reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over city infrastructure in the national capital.
National Links Trust Invested Millions in Renovations
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization, has operated the three courses for about five years and reports having invested $8.5 million in their renovation. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, and golf course architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling were commissioned to lead the restorations, offering their expertise pro bono. Thanks to these investments, NLT doubled both rounds played and revenue during its tenure.
In mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the leases, alleging that NLT violated lease agreements. NLT denied knowledge of any violations and expressed confusion over the government’s threats. Earlier in October, the government controversially dumped debris from the White House’s demolished East Wing on East Potomac’s grounds.
Trump Administration Executes Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the administration carried out its threat, ending the 50-year leases with NLT due to purported failure to meet investment requirements and specific lease provisions. The golf courses are primarily on land overseen by the National Park Service, part of the Interior Department.
“The National Links Trust is deeply dismayed by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,” the organization stated. “Since assuming responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses five years ago, NLT has fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure a bright future for public golf in Washington, D.C.”
NLT reiterated their fundamental disagreement with the government’s claims of lease violations. The Interior Department responded, “The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American people and work with partners sharing the same goals.”
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become the focal point of the president’s interest. With stunning views of the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, its renovation is touted as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. Sources close to the administration reveal Trump plans to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. However, the next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, with the Congressional Golf Club near Washington hosting in 2037. Trump’s vision includes replacing the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who shares longstanding professional ties with the president.
In December, the president promised that Washington citizens would continue to enjoy discounted play on a Trump-designed course, a claim that contrasts with his twelve private golf clubs known as some of the most expensive globally.