The Trump administration cancels lease agreements for public golf courses in Washington D.C. amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements for the three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac courses located within the city. Particularly, East Potomac Golf Course is prominently situated within sight of the Washington Monument, offering players exceptional views of the surrounding landscape. This decision to cancel the leases reflects the president’s general pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure in the capital.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated the three mentioned courses for about five years as a nonprofit organization and claims to have already invested $8.5 million in renovating the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, and the NLT engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the courses’ refurbishments. These architects pledged to contribute their expertise free of charge. Due to the investments made so far, the NLT has managed to double both the number of rounds played and revenue during its operation.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the National Links Trust (NLT) with lease terminations for the three public courses in Washington, D.C., as the government believed the NLT had violated agreements in the lease contract. The NLT, however, stated having no knowledge of alleged breaches and expressed surprise over the government’s threats. In October, the administration even dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto the East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government made good on its threat by canceling the 50-year lease agreements with the NLT, citing the trust’s failure to execute necessary investments and fulfill lease provisions. The golf courses are primarily located on National Park Service land, an Interior Department agency.
The National Links Trust expressed deep disappointment with the Trump administration’s decision to terminate their 50-year lease, emphasizing that since taking responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston courses five years ago, it has consistently met all contractual obligations to ensure a bright future for public golf in Washington, D.C.
The NLT also stressed its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim that it violated the lease agreement. The Interior Department responded that the Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties for the American people and collaborate with partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac in the Spotlight of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focal point of the president’s plans. With breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. However, according to three sources familiar with the administration’s intentions, Trump plans to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. Notably, the next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at Congressional