The Trump administration cancels lease agreements for public golf courses in Washington, D.C. over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements of the three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. These courses are the historically significant Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac golf courses located within the city. East Potomac, in particular, lies prominently in sight of the Washington Monument, offering players excellent views of the surrounding area. This decision to cancel the leases reflects the president’s general pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the capital.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated the three mentioned golf courses for about five years as a non-profit organization and claims to have invested $8.5 million in the renovation of the facilities. An extensive renovation plan was presented, and NLT hired golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the course renovations. The architects have agreed to offer their expertise free of charge. Due to the invested funds in modernization, NLT has doubled both the number of rounds played and the revenues during its operating period.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the lease agreements of the three public golf courses, alleging that NLT had violated terms of the lease agreement. NLT denied knowledge of any breaches and expressed confusion about the government’s warnings. In October, the government even deposited debris from the East Wing demolition of the White House at the East Potomac site.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Lease Agreements
On Wednesday, the U.S. government made good on its threat by terminating the 50-year leases with NLT, citing failure to implement required investments and non-compliance with lease provisions. The golf courses are located mostly on land owned by the National Park Service, a Department of the Interior agency.
\”The National Links Trust is deeply saddened by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,\” the organization stated. \”Since taking responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses five years ago, NLT has consistently fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure the best future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
NLT emphasized its \”fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim that NLT breached the lease agreement.\” The Department of the Interior responded, \”The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties for the American people and to collaborate with partners who share the same goals.\”
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has come under the president’s spotlight. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. However, according to sources familiar with the administration’s plans, Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. Notably, the next available Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, with the 2037 event scheduled for the Congressional Golf Club near D.C. Trump’s vision also includes replacing