The Trump administration terminates leases of public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing investment and future plans concerns.
The government of US President Donald Trump announced the termination of lease agreements for the three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac located within the city. East Potomac, in particular, is prominently situated in view of the Washington Monument, offering players an excellent landscape view. This lease termination decision reflects the president’s recurring pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure.
NLT invested millions in renovation and modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has managed these three golf courses as a nonprofit organization for about five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million in renovating the facilities. An extensive renovation plan has been presented, and NLT engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to oversee the courses’ restorations; these architects have provided their expertise pro bono. Thanks to the modernization investments, NLT has managed to double both the number of rounds played and revenues during its operation period.
In mid-December 2025, Donald Trump had already threatened the National Links Trust (NLT) with termination of the leases for the three public golf courses in Washington, D.C., alleging breach of contract terms. NLT, however, denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed confusion over the US government’s threats. Already in October, the government dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto East Potomac grounds.
Trump administration enforces 50-year lease termination
On Wednesday, the US government enacted its threat and terminated the 50-year lease agreements with NLT, citing failure to fulfill required investments and certain contractual provisions. The golf courses are mostly located on National Park Service land, an Interior Department agency.
\”The National Links Trust is deeply dismayed 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 five years ago, NLT has consistently met all contractual obligations to secure the best possible future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the administration’s claim of contract violations. The Interior Department responded, \”The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American people and to work with partners who share this goal.\”
East Potomac in focus 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. 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. However, the next available Ryder Cup slot is not until 2041, with 2037 already scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near Washington. Trump’s vision also involves replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.