The Trump administration cancels leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C. over investments and future plans.
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of leases for three public golf courses in the capital, Washington, D.C. These historically significant courses include Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac, all located within the city. Notably, East Potomac is prominently situated within view of the Washington Monument, offering players stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This decision to end the leases reflects the president’s general 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, has operated these three golf courses for about five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million in their renovation. The NLT presented an extensive renovation plan and engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the projects, who agreed to provide their expertise voluntarily. Thanks to these investments, the NLT has doubled both rounds played and revenues during its tenure.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the leases due to allegations that the NLT violated lease agreements. The NLT denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed surprise at the administration’s threats. Earlier in October, the government even dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces 50-Year Lease Termination
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threats and canceled the 50-year leases with the NLT, citing failure to make required investments and noncompliance with lease terms. The golf courses reside mostly on National Park Service land, an agency under the Department of the Interior.
The NLT expressed deep disappointment with the Trump administration’s decision, stating they had fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure a promising future for public golf in Washington, D.C. The organization strongly disagreed with the government’s portrayal of lease violations. The Department of the Interior responded by expressing pride in fulfilling its duties to the American public and collaborating with partners aligned with those goals.
East Potomac at the Heart of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become central to the president’s vision. With its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a model for democratizing golf nationwide. However, according to sources familiar with government plans, Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly even the Ryder Cup. Although the Ryder Cup’s next available date is not until 2041, with the 2037 event scheduled at the Congressional Golf Club near Washington, the plan includes replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has long-standing professional ties to the president.
In December, President Trump promised that Washington, D.C., residents would continue to have discounted access to the redesigned course. Yet, this promise contrasts with his twelve