The Trump administration terminates leases of public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. 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 Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac golf courses located within the city. Particularly, East Potomac Golf Course is prominently situated within sight of the Washington Monument, offering players an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. This decision to cancel the leases reflects the president’s pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure.
NLT Invests 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 refurbishing the properties. An extensive renovation plan was submitted, and NLT commissioned golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the course restorations. The architects pledged to provide their expertise pro bono. The investments in modernization have doubled both the number of rounds played and revenues during the operating period.
As early as mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the National Links Trust (NLT) with lease termination, alleging that NLT violated lease agreements. The NLT denied any knowledge of contract breaches and expressed surprise over the government’s threats. In October, the government also dumped construction debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto the East Potomac course grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government acted on its threat, terminating the 50-year lease agreements with NLT, citing failure to meet required investments and certain lease provisions. These courses lie mostly on National Park Service lands, an agency within the Interior Department.
The National Links Trust released a statement expressing deep disappointment with the Trump administration’s decision, emphasizing that since taking responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston five years ago, it has fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure the future of public golf in Washington, D.C.
NLT stressed its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of contract violations. The Interior Department responded that the Trump administration is proud to serve the American people and work with partners sharing the same goals.
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 renovation of this site is seen as a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. However, according to three sources familiar with the administration’s plans, Trump intends to convert East Potomac into a championship-level course hosting professional tournaments, potentially including the Ryder Cup. Notably, the next available Ryder Cup date is 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near Washington, D.C. Trump’s vision plans to replace the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who maintains long-standing professional ties to the president.
In December, the president promised that Washington residents would continue to play at a discounted rate on a Trump-designed course.