The Trump administration terminates leases of Washington D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of leases for three historic public golf courses in the U.S. capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. East Potomac Golf Course, prominently located within view of the Washington Monument, offers players stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This move reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s public infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization managing these three courses for about five years, claims to have invested $8.5 million in renovations. They developed an extensive renovation plan and enlisted renowned golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the projects, all offering their expertise pro bono. Thanks to these upgrades, the NLT has doubled both rounds played and revenue during its management period.
In mid-December 2025, President Trump threatened to cancel the NLT’s leases, alleging contract violations, a claim NLT denies and found confusing. In October, the government controversially dumped 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 U.S. government enacted its threat, ending the 50-year leases as the NLT allegedly failed to fulfill investment requirements and certain contract terms. Most of these courses are on National Park Service lands managed by the Department of the Interior.
“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 stewardship of Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston five years ago, NLT has consistently met all contractual obligations to ensure a bright future for public golf in Washington, D.C.”
NLT emphasized fundamental disagreements with the government’s claims of contract breaches. The Interior Department responded, “The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American people and collaborate with partners sharing the same goals.”
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has drawn particular presidential interest. With its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the course’s renovation is seen as a model for democratizing golf nationwide. Sources familiar with administration plans reveal Trump aims to transform East Potomac into a championship venue capable of hosting professional events, including potentially the Ryder Cup. However, the next open Ryder Cup slot is 2041, with 2037 already booked at Congressional Golf Club near D.C. Trump intends to replace the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, President Trump pledged discounted golf access for Washington residents on any course he designs, a promise challenged by the high fees at his dozen private golf clubs worldwide, known among the most expensive in the industry.