The Trump administration terminates leases of public golf courses in Washington, D.C. citing investments and future plans.
The administration of US President Donald Trump announced the termination of leases for three public golf courses in the nation’s capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. East Potomac golf course is prominently located in view of the Washington Monument, offering players stunning landscape views. This decision reflects the president’s pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the capital.
NLT invested millions in renovation and modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization operating the three courses for around five years, has reportedly invested $8.5 million in refurbishments. They engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead renovations, who offered their expertise pro bono. These investments have doubled both rounds played and revenue during NLT’s management.
Back in December 2025, Trump threatened to terminate the leases citing alleged contract breaches by NLT, which the organization denied and found the government’s threats perplexing. Earlier, in October, debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House was dumped on East Potomac grounds.
Trump administration enforces 50-year lease termination
On Wednesday, the government enacted its threat, terminating the 50-year leases due to unmet investment requirements and contractual terms. The courses are primarily on National Park Service land under the Department of the Interior.
“The National Links Trust is deeply dismayed by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease,” the organization stated, emphasizing they have met all obligations to ensure the best future for public golf in Washington, D.C. NLT strongly disputes allegations of contract violations. The Department of the Interior responded that the administration is proud to fulfill obligations on behalf of the American people with like-minded partners.
East Potomac at center of Trump’s golf vision
East Potomac has become a focus of presidential interest. With its impressive views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a model for democratizing golf nationally. However, sources say Trump plans to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. The next available Ryder Cup date is 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at Congressional Golf Club nearby. Trump reportedly intends to replace the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, a long-time associate.
In December, Trump promised D.C. residents continued discounted play at a Trump-designed course, a claim contrasting with his twelve costly private courses worldwide.