The Trump administration terminates lease agreements for public golf courses in Washington D.C., citing investment 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 are the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac located within the city. East Potomac, in particular, lies prominently in view of the Washington Monument and offers players an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. This decision to terminate the leases reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the capital.
NLT invests millions in renovation and modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated the three golf courses as a nonprofit organization for about five years and reports having already invested $8.5 million in rehabilitation efforts. The NLT presented an extensive renovation plan and enlisted golf course architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the upgrades. These architects have volunteered their expertise free of charge. Through these modernization investments, the NLT managed to double both the number of rounds played and revenue during its operation.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the National Links Trust (NLT) with terminating the leases of the three public golf courses in Washington, D.C., alleging that the NLT violated terms of the lease agreement. The NLT denied awareness of any such breaches and expressed confusion over the government’s threats as early as December. Earlier in October, the government dumped debris from the demolished White House East Wing onto the East Potomac site.
Trump administration enforces termination of 50-year leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threat and terminated the 50-year lease agreements with the NLT, citing failures to meet required investments and to comply with specific lease provisions. Most of the golf courses lie on land managed 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 the Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses five years ago, the NLT has consistently fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure the best possible future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
The NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim that the NLT violated the lease agreement. The Interior Department responded, \”The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American people and to work with partners who share the same objectives.\”
East Potomac at the center of Trump’s golf vision
East Potomac has become the focus of the president’s interest. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the site’s renovation is seen as a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. However, according to three sources familiar with the administration’s intentions, Trump plans to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. It is known that the next available Ryder Cup slot is not until 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at the Congressional Golf Club near the capital