The Trump administration terminates the leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C., sparking debate over investments and future plans.
The government of US President Donald Trump announced the termination of lease agreements for three public golf courses in the capital, Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac located within the city. Notably, East Potomac offers a prominent view of the Washington Monument and provides players with stunning scenery. This decision to end the leases reflects the president’s ongoing pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the urban infrastructure of the nation’s capital.
National Links Trust invested millions in renovations
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization, has managed these three courses for about five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million in their renovation. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, and golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling were commissioned to lead the restoration efforts, contributing their expertise pro bono. Thanks to these investments, the NLT has doubled both the number of rounds played and revenue during its tenure.
As early as mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate NLT’s leases, alleging contract breaches by the organization. However, the NLT denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed confusion over the government’s threats. Earlier in October, the government had already deposited debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on the East Potomac site.
Trump administration enforces termination of 50-year leases
On Wednesday, the administration followed through and ended the 50-year lease agreements with the NLT, citing failure to meet required investments and breach of certain lease terms. These golf courses mostly sit on National Park Service land, an agency under the Department of the Interior.
\”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 over the Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston courses five years ago, the NLT has consistently fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure a promising future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
The NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of contract violation. The Department of the Interior responded, \”The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American people and work with partners who share this goal.\”
East Potomac at the center of Trump’s golf vision
East Potomac is central to the president’s plans. With breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. Sources familiar with government intentions reveal Trump aims 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 the 2037 event already scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near D.C. Trump’s plan also includes replacing the current volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, known for longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, the president promised D.C. residents discounted play at a Trump-designed course, a pledge seemingly at odds with the typically expensive fees at Trump’s dozen own