The Trump administration terminates leases of Washington, D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of lease agreements for three public golf courses in the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C. These are the historically significant Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac golf courses located within the city. Especially notable is East Potomac, prominently situated within sight of the Washington Monument, offering players excellent views of the surrounding landscape. This decision to terminate the leases reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
National Links Trust Invests Millions in Renovations
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated these three golf courses for about five years as a nonprofit organization and claims to have invested $8.5 million in refurbishing the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan was submitted, and the NLT engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the renovations, with the architects providing their expertise pro bono. Thanks to these modernization efforts, the NLT doubled both the number of rounds played and the revenue during its management period.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate NLT’s lease agreements for the three Washington, D.C. public golf courses, alleging that NLT violated terms of the lease. NLT denied any knowledge of breaches and expressed confusion over the government’s warnings. In October, the administration had deposited debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House at 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 NLT, citing failure to make necessary investments and breach of contract terms. The golf courses are primarily located on National Park Service land under the Department of the Interior.
The National Links Trust expressed deep disappointment over the Trump administration’s decision to end its 50-year lease with the National Park Service. The organization stated that it had consistently met all contractual obligations over the past five years, ensuring the best possible future for public golf in Washington, D.C.
NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of contractual violations. The Department of the Interior responded that the Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American people and partner with those sharing the same goals.
East Potomac in the Spotlight of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focus of President Trump’s interest. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, the site’s renovation is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. 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 even the Ryder Cup. It is known that the next available Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, following the 2037 event scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision reportedly includes replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, the U.S. president promised