The Trump administration announces the termination of leases for public golf courses in Washington D.C., sparking disputes over investments and future plans.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements of three historic public golf courses in the capital, Washington, D.C. These include Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac, the latter prominently located with views of the Washington Monument offering players magnificent scenery. This decision reflects the president’s pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over urban infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovations and Upgrades
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization managing these courses for about five years, has reportedly invested $8.5 million in refurbishing the facilities. They commissioned renowned golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling, who volunteered their expertise for the renovations. The investments have doubled both rounds played and the courses’ revenue during their management.
In mid-December 2025, Trump threatened to terminate the leases, alleging breaches of contract by the NLT, which the organization denied, expressing surprise at the government’s claims. Earlier in October, debris from the White House’s East Wing demolition was reportedly dumped on the East Potomac grounds by the government.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the administration enacted its threat, ending the 50-year leases with NLT, citing unmet investment commitments and contractual violations. The golf courses primarily sit on National Park Service land managed by the Interior Department.
“The National Links Trust is deeply disappointed by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,” the trust stated. “Since taking responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses five years ago, NLT has fulfilled all contractual obligations to secure a bright future for public golf in Washington, D.C.”
The NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the government’s claim of contract breaches. The Interior Department responded, “The Trump administration is proud to fulfill its duties for the American people and work with partners who share the same goals.”
East Potomac in Focus of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become central to President Trump’s interest. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the renovation is seen as a model for democratizing golf nationwide. However, sources familiar with the administration’s plans suggest Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, potentially the Ryder Cup. Yet, the next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, with the 2037 event already slated for Congressional Golf Club near D.C. Trump’s vision reportedly includes replacing the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, Trump promised that D.C. residents would continue to enjoy discounted play on a course designed by him, though this is at odds with his twelve privately operated courses globally, known among the most expensive in the industry.