The Trump administration cancels leases of Washington D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of the lease agreements for three historic public golf courses in the U.S. capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. Notably, East Potomac Golf Course offers a prominent view of the Washington Monument and surrounding landscapes. This decision reflects the president’s pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over municipal infrastructure in the capital.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization, has managed these three golf courses for about five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million in renovations. Golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling were contracted to lead the renovations, offering their expertise pro bono. These improvements have doubled rounds played and revenues during NLT’s tenure.
In December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate these leases, alleging violations by NLT. The NLT denied knowledge of any breaches and expressed surprise at the government’s threats. Earlier, debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House was reportedly dumped on the East Potomac site.
Trump Administration Enforces Cancellation of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the government enacted its threat, canceling the 50-year lease agreements with NLT, citing unmet investment obligations and contractual breaches. The courses are mostly on National Park Service lands, overseen by the Department of the Interior.
The NLT expressed deep disappointment over the decision, emphasizing that it had fulfilled all its obligations to secure a strong future for public golf in Washington, D.C. The Department of the Interior stated the administration is proud to fulfill its duties for the American people with partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac in Focus of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become central to the president’s plans. Given its stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a model for democratizing golf nationwide. Sources close to the administration reveal plans to transform East Potomac into a championship venue hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup—although the next open Ryder Cup date is 2041, with 2037’s event at Congressional Golf Club nearby. Trump’s vision includes replacing the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, President Trump promised discounted play for Washington, D.C. residents on his redesigned course, a pledge seemingly at odds with his twelve own-operated golf resorts known as some of the most expensive worldwide.