The Trump administration cancels lease agreements for public golf courses in Washington D.C. amidst investment disputes and future plans.
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements for three public golf courses in the nation’s capital Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac golf courses located within the city. Particularly, East Potomac golf course is prominently situated within sight of the Washington Monument, offering players excellent views of the surrounding landscape. This decision to terminate the leases reflects the president’s general pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the capital city.
NLT invested millions in renovation and modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated the three mentioned golf courses for about five years as a nonprofit organization, reportedly investing $8.5 million in renovating the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan was presented, and NLT engaged golf course architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the refurbishments. The architects agreed to provide their expertise pro bono. Through these investments, NLT was able to double both rounds played and revenue during its operation.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the National Links Trust (NLT) with termination of the lease agreements of the three public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing alleged breaches of the lease contract by NLT. NLT, however, denied knowledge of any such violations and expressed confusion over the government’s threats. Furthermore, in October, the government dumped construction debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on East Potomac premises.
Trump administration enforces termination of 50-year leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government followed through on its threat and terminated the 50-year lease agreements with NLT, citing that NLT did not fulfill required investments and certain conditions of the contracts. The golf courses are mainly on land managed by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior.
The National Links Trust expressed deep disappointment over the Trump administration’s decision to end their 50-year lease with the National Park Service. Since taking responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses five years ago, NLT claims it has consistently met all contractual obligations to secure a promising future for public golf in Washington, D.C.
NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the administration’s claim of contract violations. The Department of the Interior responded that the Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American people and to work with partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac in focus of Trump’s golf vision
East Potomac has become a central focus for the president’s interest. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, its renovation is viewed 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 not until 2041, with the 2037 event already slated for Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision also includes replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has