The Trump administration cancels leases for public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing investment and future planning issues.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements of three historically significant public golf courses in the capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. Notably, East Potomac offers players striking views of the Washington Monument and the surrounding landscape. This move reflects the president’s pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovations and Upgrades
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization managing these courses for about five years, reportedly invested $8.5 million in renovations. They engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead these efforts, with the architects contributing their expertise pro bono. These investments have doubled both rounds played and revenue during NLT’s tenure.
In mid-December 2025, Trump threatened to terminate the leases alleging NLT violated contract terms. NLT denied any knowledge of breaches and expressed concern over the government’s threats. Earlier, government officials had dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government enacted its threat, ending the 50-year leases due to unmet investments and contract provisions. The golf courses reside mainly on National Park Service land under the Department of the Interior.
NLT expressed deep regret over the decision, affirming they had fulfilled contractual duties to secure the public golf future in Washington, D.C. They disputed the government’s claims of breaches, while the Interior Department stated pride in fulfilling obligations to the American people with aligned partners.
East Potomac in the Spotlight of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become central to Trump’s vision to renovate the site as a model for democratizing golf nationwide. Sources familiar with government plans reveal Trump’s intentions to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional events like the Ryder Cup, although the next available Ryder Cup dates are far in the future. Trump plans to replace the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, known for close ties to the president.
In December, Trump promised Washington residents discounted access to the redesigned course, despite this contrasting with his other expensive private golf properties worldwide.