The Trump administration cancels lease agreements for public golf courses in Washington D.C., citing investment and future planning issues.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of lease agreements for three historic public golf courses in the nation’s capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. Notably, East Potomac is prominently located within view of the Washington Monument, offering players spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. This decision to end the leases reflects the president’s pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in Washington, D.C.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovations and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has managed these courses for about five years as a nonprofit organization and has reportedly invested $8.5 million in renovating the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, with golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling commissioned to lead the projects, contributing their expertise pro bono. These investments have doubled both rounds played and revenue during the operation period.
Already by mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the NLT with lease termination, accusing them of contract violations—a claim the NLT denied, expressing confusion over the federal government’s threats. Earlier, in October, debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House was dumped onto the East Potomac site by the government.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threat, terminating the 50-year lease contracts with the NLT, accusing them of failing to meet required investments and contract conditions. These golf courses are mainly located on National Park Service land under the Department of the Interior.
The NLT expressed its deep dismay over the decision, stating that since taking responsibility five years ago, it has met all contractual obligations to secure the future of public golf in Washington, D.C. The organization emphasized a fundamental disagreement with the government’s assertion of lease violations. The Department of the Interior responded that the Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American people and work with partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac in Focus of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focal point for the president’s interests. With stunning views of the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, the site’s renovation 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 course hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup, despite the next available Ryder Cup slot being in 2041 and the 2037 event scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision also involves replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, the president promised that Washington, D.C. residents would continue to enjoy discounted play on a Trump-designed course; however, this commitment contrasts with Trump’s twelve privately operated golf courses, known to be among the most expensive worldwide.