The Trump administration cancels leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C., citing investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements of three public golf courses in the capital, Washington, D.C. These are the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac, all located within the city. Notably, East Potomac golf course boasts a prominent location with a stunning view of the Washington Monument and surrounding landscape. This decision to terminate the leases reflects the president’s typical pattern of placing his brand and vision above the city’s infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated these three golf courses for about five years as a nonprofit organization and claims to have already invested $8.5 million in renovating the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan was proposed, and the NLT enlisted golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the course restorations. These architects committed their expertise pro bono. Thanks to the modernization investments, the NLT doubled both the number of rounds played and revenues during its tenure.
As early as mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the lease agreements with the NLT, alleging the organization violated lease terms. The NLT denied any knowledge of these alleged breaches and expressed surprise at the government’s threats. In October, the government reportedly dumped debris from the dismantled East Wing of the White House onto the East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threats, canceling the 50-year leases with the NLT, citing failure to meet required investments and lease terms. The golf courses are primarily located on National Park Service land, an Interior Department agency. The NLT expressed deep disappointment over the decision, emphasizing its commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations to secure a future for public golf in Washington, D.C.
The NLT stressed fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of lease violations. The Interior Department responded that the Trump administration is proud to serve the American people and collaborate with partners who share its goals.
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focal point of presidential interest. Its remarkable views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River position the site as a potential model for nationwide golf accessibility. However, sources familiar with government plans reveal Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship venue capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. The next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, with the 2037 event slated for Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision includes replacing the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding ties to the president.
In December, the president pledged that Washington, D.C. residents would continue to enjoy discounted play on a Trump-designed course, though this contrasts with Trump’s twelve privately operated courses, known as some of the most expensive worldwide.