The Trump administration terminates leases of public golf courses in Washington, D.C., amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of leases for three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac situated within the city. Notably, East Potomac is prominently located within view of the Washington Monument, offering players a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. This decision reflects the president’s general pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over city infrastructure in the capital.
NLT invests millions in renovation and modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated these three golf courses as a non-profit organization for about five years, reportedly investing $8.5 million in renovations. A comprehensive modernization plan was introduced, with golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling leading the renovation efforts, contributing their expertise pro bono. These investments have doubled both rounds played and revenue during the operation period.
Back in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the National Links Trust (NLT) with lease termination, citing alleged breaches of the lease agreement. NLT denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed confusion over the government’s threats. Earlier, the government had dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on East Potomac’s grounds.
Trump administration enforces termination of 50-year leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government enacted its threat by ending the 50-year leases with NLT, citing failure to make required investments and breach of certain lease terms. These courses are mostly on land managed by the National Park Service, a Department of the Interior agency.
\”The National Links Trust is deeply disappointed by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,\” stated the organization. \”Since taking responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston courses five years ago, NLT has met all contractual obligations to secure the best possible future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of lease violations. The Interior Department responded, \”The Trump administration takes pride in fulfilling its duties to the American people and cooperating with partners who share the same goals.\”
East Potomac at the center of Trump’s golf vision
East Potomac has become a focal point of the president’s interest. With breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. However, according to sources familiar with the administration’s plans, Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. Notably, the next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, with the 2037 event set for Congressional Golf Club near D.C. Trump’s plan includes replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties with the president.
In December, the president promised that Washington, D.C. residents would still enjoy discounted play on a Trump-designed course. This pledge contrasts with Trump’s twelve privately operated golf properties