The Trump administration cancels leases of Washington D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the leases of three public golf courses in the nation’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, prominently visible from the Washington Monument, offers players a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. This decision reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated the three courses for about five years as a nonprofit organization, reportedly investing $8.5 million in facility renovations. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, and NLT engaged golf course architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the upgrades, with the architects offering their expertise pro bono. The investment into modernization has doubled both rounds played and revenue during operations.
As early as mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the leases, alleging the NLT breached contract terms. The NLT denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed confusion over the government’s threats in December. In October, the government controversially dumped debris from the White House’s demolished East Wing at the East Potomac site.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threat, terminating the 50-year leases with the NLT, citing the Trust’s failure to make required investments and fulfill certain lease conditions. The golf courses are situated largely on land managed by the National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior.
The National Links Trust released a statement expressing deep disappointment with the decision, emphasizing that since taking responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses five years ago, it has fully met all contractual obligations to secure a positive future for public golf in Washington, D.C.
The NLT highlighted fundamental disagreements with the government’s representation that lease terms were violated. 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 become a focus of the president’s interest. With its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, the site’s renovation is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. According to sources familiar with administration plans, Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship-level course capable of hosting professional tournaments, potentially including the Ryder Cup. However, the next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision also reportedly includes replacing 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 continue to have discounted access to a Trump-designed course; however, this promise contrasts with the twelve privately operated Trump golf courses worldwide, which are among the most expensive in the industry.