The Trump administration terminates leases of public golf courses in Washington D.C. over investment disputes and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the termination of lease agreements for three historic public golf courses in the nation’s capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. Notably, East Potomac offers golfers a stunning view of the Washington Monument and the surrounding landscape, situated prominently within the city. This decision to cancel the leases reflects the president’s broader 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, has managed these golf courses for about five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million in upgrading the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, and golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling were commissioned to lead the renovations, offering their expertise pro bono. These investments have doubled both the number of rounds played and revenues during the operational period.
In mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the leases, alleging that NLT violated lease agreements, though NLT denied any knowledge of such breaches and expressed surprise at the government’s warnings. Earlier, in October, government officials even dumped construction debris from the White House’s East Wing demolition onto East Potomac grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threat to end the 50-year lease contracts with NLT, citing insufficient investments and violated lease terms. The golf courses are mostly situated on National Park Service land, under the Department of the Interior.
The National Links Trust expressed being deeply dismayed by the Trump administration’s decision, stressing that since assuming responsibility five years ago for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston, it has met all contractual obligations to ensure a promising future for public golf in Washington D.C. NLT reiterated its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of lease violations. The Interior Department responded that the administration is proud to fulfill its duties for the American people and to work with partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac in the Spotlight of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become the focal point of the president’s interests. With its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. According to three sources familiar with the administration’s intentions, Trump plans to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. However, the next available Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, with the 2037 event already planned at Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision reportedly involves replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has long-standing professional ties to the president.
In December, the president promised that Washington D.C. residents would continue to enjoy discounted play on a Trump-designed course. Yet, this pledge conflicts with Trump’s twelve privately operated courses worldwide, known as some of the most expensive in the industry.