The Trump administration terminates leases of public golf courses in Washington, D.C. over investments and future plans.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements for the three public golf courses in the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac, located within the city. Notably, East Potomac golf course is prominently situated within view of the Washington Monument, offering players magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. This decision to end the leases reflects the president’s consistent pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision above the urban infrastructure of the nation’s capital.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has been operating these three courses as a nonprofit organization for approximately five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million into renovations. A comprehensive renovation plan was submitted, with golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling engaged to lead the course restorations, offering their expertise pro bono. The investments so far have doubled both rounds played and revenue generated during operation.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the National Links Trust with termination of the leases, citing alleged breaches of contract by the NLT. The NLT denied any knowledge of contract violations and expressed concern over the administration’s threats. In October, the administration controversially deposited debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on the East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Executes 50-Year Lease Termination
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threat and terminated the 50-year lease agreements with the NLT, accusing the nonprofit of failing to make required investments and violating certain lease provisions. The golf courses are primarily located on land managed by the National Park Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior.
The National Links Trust declared itself deeply dismayed by the Trump administration’s decision, emphasizing that it has fulfilled all contractual obligations since taking over the Golf Courses Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston five years ago, aiming to ensure a bright future for public golf in Washington, D.C. The NLT maintains significant disagreement with the government’s claims of contractual breaches. The Department of the Interior responded that the Trump administration takes pride in serving the American public and collaborating with partners sharing that goal.
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become a focal point of the president’s interest. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, the course’s renovation is seen as a potential model for a nationwide democratization of golf. However, sources familiar with the administration’s plans reveal that Trump intends to convert East Potomac into a championship venue capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. Notably, the next available Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at the Congressional Golf Club near Washington, D.C. Trump also plans to replace the current volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, a longtime personal associate. In December, the president promised that Washington, D.C., residents would continue to enjoy discounted play on a Trump-designed course, yet this contrasts