The Trump administration cancels leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C., citing investment and future plans concerns.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements for three historic public golf courses in the capital city Washington, D.C. These include the Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac courses, with East Potomac prominently located within sight of the Washington Monument and offering players excellent views of the surrounding landscape. This decision to end the leases reflects the president’s consistent pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization, has operated the three courses for about five years, investing approximately 8.5 million USD in renovations. The NLT presented a comprehensive renovation plan and commissioned golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to oversee the improvements, who have agreed to provide their expertise pro bono. Through these investments, the NLT managed to double both rounds played and revenue during its operation.
In mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to cancel the NLT’s leases of the golf courses, citing alleged breaches of lease agreements. The NLT has denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed confusion over the government’s threats. In October, the administration even dumped debris from the dismantled East Wing of the White House on the East Potomac site.
Trump Administration Enforces 50-Year Lease Termination
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threat and terminated the 50-year lease agreements with the NLT, claiming insufficient investments and unmet lease conditions. The golf courses mainly sit on National Park Service land, under the Department of the Interior.
The NLT expressed deep disappointment over the Trump administration’s decision, emphasizing that it has fulfilled all contractual obligations to ensure a strong future for public golf in Washington, D.C. The organization highlighted fundamental disagreements regarding the government’s claim of lease breaches. The Department of the Interior responded that the Trump administration takes pride in serving the American people and collaborating with partners sharing its goals.
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focal point for the president’s golf plans. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. According to sources familiar with the administration’s plans, Trump aims to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, potentially including the Ryder Cup. However, the next open Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at the Congressional Golf Club near Washington. Trump’s vision involves replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, a longtime associate of the president.
In December, President Trump promised that Washington, D.C. residents would continue to enjoy discounted play on any Trump-designed course, a claim contrasting with the famously expensive membership fees at his twelve privately operated golf resorts worldwide.