The Trump administration terminates leases on public golf courses in Washington D.C., citing investments and future plans.
The administration 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 Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac golf courses located within the city. Notably, East Potomac Golf Course is prominently situated within view of the Washington Monument, offering players stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This move reflects the president’s 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 three courses for about five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million in upgrading them. A comprehensive renovation plan was submitted, and NLT engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to oversee the course restorations, with all architects volunteering their expertise. These investments have reportedly doubled both rounds played and revenues during NLT’s operation.
In mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate NLT’s leases, alleging contract violations by the nonprofit. Conversely, NLT stated it was unaware of any such breaches and expressed concern about the administration’s threats. Additionally, earlier in October, the government dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto the East Potomac site.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
The U.S. government followed through on its threat Wednesday, ending the 50-year leases with NLT due to alleged failure to make required investments and to meet contractual obligations. The golf courses are primarily situated on lands managed by the National Park Service under the Department of the Interior.
“The National Links Trust is deeply dismayed by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,” the organization said. “Since taking stewardship of the Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston courses five years ago, NLT has fully complied with all agreements to ensure the best possible future for public golf in Washington, D.C.”
NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claims of contract violations. The Interior Department responded: “The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties for 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 focal point for the president’s ambitions. Its breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River position it as a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. According to three sources familiar with the administration’s intentions, Trump plans to convert East Potomac into a championship venue 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 scheduled for the Congressional Golf Club near D.C. Trump’s plan also involves replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, Trump promised that Washington, D.C. residents would continue to have discounted access