The Trump administration cancels leases of public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing investments and future plans as key issues.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements for three historic public golf courses in the nation’s capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. East Potomac, prominently located with views of the Washington Monument, offers golfers stunning scenery. This move reflects the president’s pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s public infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization managing these courses for about five years, claims to have invested $8.5 million in renovations. Golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling were engaged to guide the renovations, offering their expertise pro bono. Thanks to these investments, the NLT doubled both the number of rounds played and revenues during its tenure. In December 2025, Trump threatened to terminate the leases alleging breaches by NLT, which denied any violations. Earlier, debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House was even dumped on East Potomac’s grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the government implemented the threatened termination, citing NLT’s failure to meet required investments and lease conditions. The courses are mostly on National Park Service land under the Department of the Interior. The NLT expressed deep disappointment, stating it had fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure a bright future for public golf in Washington, D.C. The Department of the Interior responded affirming the administration’s commitment to serving the American people alongside partners with aligned goals.
East Potomac at Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has attracted presidential attention due to its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River. The Trump administration sees it as a model for democratizing golf nationwide. According to sources, 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 isn’t until 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled nearby. Trump’s vision involves replacing the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, long associated professionally with the president. Despite promises that Washington residents would still access discounted play on Trump-designed courses, this contradicts Trump’s privately operated courses known for high fees globally.