The Trump administration cancels leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C., citing investments and future plans as key issues.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced the termination of lease agreements for three historically significant public golf courses in Washington, D.C.: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac, located in the heart of the city. East Potomac Golf Course is especially prominent with views of the Washington Monument, offering players stunning surroundings. This decision reflects the president’s pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure.
National Links Trust Invested Millions in Renovations
The National Links Trust (NLT), a non-profit organization managing the courses for around five years, has reportedly invested $8.5 million in renovating the facilities. They hired golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the modernization efforts, with the architects volunteering their expertise. These investments have doubled both the number of rounds played and revenue during their operation.
Back in December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to cancel the leases, accusing the NLT of violating lease agreements, a claim the NLT denies, expressing confusion over the administration’s threats. In October, debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House was controversially dumped on the East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Executes 50-Year Lease Termination
On Wednesday, the government made good on its threat, terminating the 50-year lease agreements with the NLT over alleged failure to meet investment requirements and contract conditions. The courses mostly lie on land managed by the National Park Service under the Department of the Interior.
The NLT expressed deep disappointment over the decision, stating they had consistently met contractual obligations to ensure the future of public golf in Washington, D.C. They disagreed fundamentally with the government’s assertion of breach of contract. The Interior Department responded by affirming the administration’s commitment to serving the American people alongside partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has come into focus under Trump’s plans. With commanding views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a model for the democratization of golf nationwide. However, sources indicate Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, potentially the Ryder Cup. The next available Ryder Cup slot is not until 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled nearby at Congressional Golf Club. Trump’s vision reportedly involves replacing the current volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, a longtime associate of the president.
In December, Trump promised that residents of Washington, D.C. would still be able to play at a discounted rate on a Trump-designed course, though this commitment contrasts with Trump’s other 12 privately run, among the most expensive, golf properties worldwide.