The Trump administration terminates lease agreements for public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing investments and future plans as issues.
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of lease agreements for three public golf courses in the nation’s capital. These include the historically significant Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac golf courses located within the city. The East Potomac course, notably, sits prominently in view of the Washington Monument and offers players excellent views of the surrounding landscape. This decision to terminate the leases reflects the president’s general pattern 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 managed the three golf courses for about five years and claims to have invested 8.5 million USD in their refurbishment. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, and NLT engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the course renovations, with the architects offering their expertise pro bono. The investments have doubled both the number of rounds played and revenue during their operation.
In mid-December 2025, Trump threatened to terminate the NLT’s leases, alleging that the NLT violated lease agreements. The NLT denied knowledge of any breaches and expressed surprise at the government’s threats. Already in October, the administration deposited demolition debris from the White House’s East Wing on East Potomac’s grounds.
Trump Administration Executes Lease Termination After 50 Years
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through, ending the 50-year lease agreements with the NLT due to alleged failure to make required investments and breaches of contract terms. The golf courses are mostly on National Park Service lands, an Interior Department agency.
\”The National Links Trust is deeply disappointed by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,\” the organization stated. \”Since assuming responsibility five years ago for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses, NLT has consistently met all contractual obligations to ensure the best future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of lease violations. The Interior Department responded that the Trump administration takes pride in fulfilling its duties for the American people and collaborating with partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focal point of the president’s interest. With its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the site’s renovation is seen as a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. However, according to sources familiar with the administration’s plans, Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. The next available Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, after the 2037 event at Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision involves replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, Trump promised that Washington, D.C. residents would continue to enjoy discounted access on a Trump-designed course, though