The Trump administration terminates leases on Washington D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the leases of three historic public golf courses in Washington, D.C.: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac, located in the heart of the city. East Potomac Golf Course, prominently visible from 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 urban infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
Millions Invested by National Links Trust in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization operating the three courses for about five years, has reportedly invested $8.5 million in renovating the facilities. The NLT presented an extensive renovation plan and hired golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the redesigns, with the architects volunteering their expertise. These investments have doubled both the number of rounds played and the revenues during their operational period.
By mid-December 2025, President Trump had already threatened the NLT with lease termination, alleging breaches of the lease agreement. The NLT denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed confusion over the administration’s threats. In October, the government controversially dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto the East Potomac course grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the government implemented its threat, ending the NLT’s 50-year leases due to alleged failure to fulfill required investments and contractual obligations. The golf courses are located mostly on National Park Service land, part of the Department of the Interior. The NLT expressed deep dismay over the administration’s decision, emphasizing they had always met contractual commitments to secure a promising future for public golf in Washington, D.C.
The NLT rejects the administration’s claims of lease violations. The Interior Department responded that the Trump administration is proud to serve 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 attention from the president. With its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, it is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. Sources familiar with the administration’s plans indicate Trump aims to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. However, the next open Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near Washington. Trump reportedly intends to replace the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, the president promised that Washington, D.C. residents would still be able to play at discounted rates on a Trump-designed course, a claim at odds with the high fees of his twelve privately operated golf clubs worldwide.