The Trump administration terminates lease agreements for Washington, D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has ended the lease agreements for the three public golf courses in the capital city, Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac located within the city. Notably, East Potomac golf course offers a prominent view of the Washington Monument and surrounding scenery. This decision reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s public infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization operating these courses for about five years, has reportedly invested $8.5 million in their renovation. They submitted an extensive upgrade plan and engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to oversee the restorations, with the architects offering their expertise pro bono. Thanks to these investments, the NLT doubled both the number of rounds played and the revenues during its management period.
In mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to revoke the NLT’s lease agreements, citing alleged contract violations, which the NLT denied and found perplexing. Earlier, in October, the administration dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government carried out the threat, canceling the 50-year leases with NLT, stating the nonprofit failed to fulfill required investments and certain lease provisions. These courses largely occupy National Park Service land under the Department of the Interior.
The National Links Trust expressed deep disappointment over the decision, emphasizing they met all contractual obligations to support public golf in Washington, D.C. and disputed the government’s claim of breach. The Interior Department responded that the Trump administration is proud to serve the American people and collaborate with partners sharing similar goals.
East Potomac in Focus of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become central to President Trump’s interests. With spectacular views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a model for democratizing golf nationwide. However, sources familiar with the administration’s plans reveal Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, potentially including the Ryder Cup, though the next available Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, with the 2037 event scheduled at Congressional Golf Club nearby. Trump also plans to replace the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, a longtime associate.
In December, the president promised D.C. residents affordable access to a Trump-designed course, but this conflicts with his 12 privately operated golf properties worldwide, which rank among the most expensive in the industry.