The Trump administration cancels lease agreements of Washington D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of 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 golf courses located within the city. East Potomac, in particular, is prominently situated with a clear view of the Washington Monument, offering players an excellent outlook on the surrounding scenery. This decision to terminate the leases reflects the president’s ongoing pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the capital.
NLT Invests Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated the three golf courses for about five years as a nonprofit organization, investing reportedly $8.5 million into refurbishing the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan has been submitted, and NLT has enlisted golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to oversee the updates, with the architects offering their expertise pro bono. Through these investments in modernization, the NLT has managed to double both rounds played and revenue during its tenure.
By mid-December 2025, Donald Trump had already threatened to terminate the leases with the NLT, citing alleged breaches of the lease agreements. However, the NLT denied knowledge of such violations and expressed concern over the federal government’s threats. In October, the administration controversially dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto the East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Lease Agreements
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threat, ending the 50-year lease contracts with the NLT on grounds that required investments were not delivered and certain lease terms were unmet. Most of the golf courses lie on property managed by the National Park Service, a division of the Interior Department.
The NLT expressed deep distress over the administration’s decision, asserting that since taking over the courses five years ago, it has fully complied with contractual obligations to secure a promising future for public golf in Washington, D.C. The organization also emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of contractual breaches. The Interior Department responded that the Trump administration is proud to serve the American people and collaborate with partners who share their goals.
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focal point in the president’s plans. With stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the renovation of the site is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. According to three sources familiar with the administration’s intentions, Trump plans to transform East Potomac into a championship-level course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. However, the next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, following the 2037 event at Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision also includes replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, the U.S. president promised that citizens of Washington, D.C., would continue to have discounted access to any course