The Trump administration terminates leases for public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing investment and future plans issues.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has ended the lease agreements for three historic public golf courses in the nation’s capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. East Potomac, prominently located with views of the Washington Monument, offers players stunning scenery. This decision reflects the president’s 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 the three courses for about five years, claims to have invested $8.5 million in refurbishing the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan was submitted, with golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling volunteering their expertise to lead the refurbishments. These modernization efforts have doubled both rounds played and revenue since implementation.
As early as mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate NLT’s leases, alleging contract breaches. NLT denied any knowledge of violations and expressed surprise over the government’s warnings. In October, the administration controversially dumped demolition debris from the White House’s East Wing on East Potomac’s grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the government executed its threat, ending the 50-year lease agreements with the NLT, citing insufficient investments and contract non-compliance. The courses reside primarily on National Park Service lands, an Interior Department agency.
NLT expressed deep disappointment, stating that since assuming responsibility five years ago, it has always fulfilled its contractual obligations to secure a bright future for public golf in Washington, D.C. The organization also highlighted fundamental disagreements with the government’s allegations of lease violations. The Interior Department responded that the Trump administration is committed to serving the American public and partners who share this mission.
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become the focal point of the president’s interest. With spectacular views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a model for democratizing golf nationally. However, insiders suggest Trump plans to transform East Potomac into a championship venue potentially hosting professional tournaments like the Ryder Cup. Although the next available Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, and 2037 is scheduled at Congressional Golf Club nearby, Trump intends to replace the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding ties to him.
In December, Trump promised Washington, D.C. residents would still enjoy discounted access to a redesigned course, a claim controversial given his twelve private golf clubs worldwide are among the most expensive in the industry.