The Trump administration cancels leases for public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing investment and future plan disputes.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the leases of three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac golf courses located within the city. Notably, East Potomac Golf Course sits prominently with views of the Washington Monument, offering players excellent scenery. This decision to end the leases reflects the president’s broader approach of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the capital.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization, has operated these three golf courses for about five years and reportedly invested $8.5 million into their renovation. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, with golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling engaged to lead the projects. These architects provided their expertise pro bono. Thanks to these investments, NLT has doubled both rounds played and revenue during its management.
As early as mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the National Links Trust leases, alleging contract breaches. NLT denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed surprise at the administration’s threats. In October, the government controversially dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on the East Potomac site.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government acted on its threat, ending the 50-year leases citing NLT’s alleged failure to perform required investments and comply with lease terms. The golf courses are mostly situated on National Park Service land, a division of the Department of the Interior.
\”The National Links Trust is deeply disappointed by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,\” stated NLT. \”Since assuming responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston five years ago, we have fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure the best possible future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
NLT maintains strong 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 collaborate with partners sharing the same goals.\”
East Potomac in Focus of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focal point of presidential interest. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the course’s renovation is seen as a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. Sources familiar with the administration’s plans reveal Trump intends 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 2037 event scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision reportedly includes replacing the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, the president promised that Washington, D.C. residents would still enjoy discounted play on a Trump-designed course. This pledge contrasts with Trump’s twelve privately operated golf