The Trump administration terminates leases of Washington D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The government 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 are the historically significant Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac golf courses located within the city. Notably, the East Potomac course offers a prominent view of the Washington Monument and surrounding landscape. This decision to end the leases reflects the President’s broader 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, has operated the three courses for about five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million in their renovation. A comprehensive renovation plan has been submitted, and NLT enlisted golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to lead the restorations, who agreed to offer their expertise pro bono. The investments led to doubling both the number of rounds played and revenues during their operation.
In mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened the NLT with lease termination, alleging contract violations, which the NLT denied, expressing confusion over the government’s claims. Earlier, the government had dumped construction debris from the White House East Wing demolition onto East Potomac grounds.
Trump administration enforces termination of 50-year leases
On Wednesday, the U.S. government executed its threat, ending the 50-year leases with NLT, citing failure to make required investments and breaches of lease terms. These courses mostly lie on National Park Service land, a Department of the Interior agency.
The NLT expressed being deeply dismayed by the decision, insisting it fulfilled all obligations to ensure a vibrant future for public golf in D.C. They strongly disagreed with the government’s allegations of violation. The Interior Department responded, stating pride in serving the American public and working with partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac at the center of Trump’s golf vision
East Potomac has become the focus of presidential interest. Offering stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation could set an example for democratizing golf nationwide. Sources familiar with administration plans indicate Trump aims to transform East Potomac into a championship course suitable for pro tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup, though the next available Ryder Cup date is 2041, with 2037 scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near D.C. Trump’s plan also includes replacing the current volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding ties to the President.
In December, Trump assured D.C. residents they would still have discounted access to the redesigned course, a promise contrasting with his twelve privately owned courses worldwide, known for their high prices.