The Trump administration cancels leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C. over investment and future planning disputes.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of the lease agreements for 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, the East Potomac golf course is prominently situated with views of the Washington Monument, offering players excellent scenery. This decision to terminate the leases reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the capital.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovations and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated these three courses as a nonprofit organization for about five years, reportedly investing $8.5 million in renovations. The NLT developed an extensive renovation plan and hired golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the projects, with these architects offering their expertise pro bono. Through these modernization efforts, the NLT has doubled both the number of rounds played and revenue generated during its tenure.
As early as mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the NLT with lease termination, alleging breaches of lease agreements. The NLT has denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed surprise over the government’s threats. In October, the administration even deposited debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on the East Potomac site.
Trump Administration Implements Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the administration followed through on its threat, ending the 50-year leases with the NLT, citing failure to meet investment requirements and other contractual provisions. These golf courses largely occupy land managed by the National Park Service, a Department of the Interior agency.
The NLT expressed deep disappointment, stating: “Since taking over responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses five years ago, we have fulfilled all contractual obligations to ensure a bright future for public golf in Washington, D.C.” The NLT also strongly disagreed with the government’s characterization of lease violations. The Interior Department responded, “The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American public and to work with partners who share that goal.”
East Potomac at the Heart of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focus of President Trump’s interests. With stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, it is seen as a potential 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, including possibly the Ryder Cup. Yet, the next available Ryder Cup date is not until 2041, after the 2037 event at Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision includes replacing the three voluntary architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, Trump promised that Washington, D.C. residents would still receive discounted play on a Trump-designed course, a pledge that stands in contrast to his twelve privately operated golf properties, which rank among the world’s most expensive.