The Trump administration cancels leases of public golf courses in Washington, D.C., citing investments and future plans.
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of the leases for three public golf courses in the capital, Washington, D.C. These are the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac located within the city. Notably, East Potomac lies prominently within sight of the Washington Monument and offers players a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. This decision to cancel the leases reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure.
Millions Invested by National Links Trust in Renovation
The National Links Trust (NLT) has managed these three golf courses as a nonprofit organization for about five years, claiming to have invested $8.5 million in renovations. An extensive refurbishment plan was submitted, and NLT engaged golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to oversee the restorations, with the architects offering their expertise pro bono. Thanks to the investments in modernization, NLT has doubled both the rounds played and revenues during its operational tenure.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened National Links Trust with termination of the leases, alleging breaches of the agreement. NLT denied knowledge of any violations and expressed confusion over the government’s threats, especially after the government deposited debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House on East Potomac’s grounds in October.
Trump Administration Enforces Lease Termination
On Wednesday, the U.S. government made good on its threat and terminated the 50-year lease agreements with NLT, citing failure to meet required investments and certain contractual provisions. The golf courses are primarily located on land managed by the National Park Service, a Department of the Interior agency.
\”National Links Trust is deeply distressed by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,\” the organization stated. \”Since taking responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston five years ago, NLT has consistently fulfilled all contractual obligations to ensure the best possible future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of contract breaches. The Department of the Interior responded, \”The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties to the American public and to work 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, the site is viewed as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. According to sources familiar with the administration’s plans, Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, potentially including the Ryder Cup. However, the next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled for Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision includes replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, a longtime professional associate of the president.
In December, the U.S. president promised that Washington, D.C. residents