Trump administration terminates D.C. public golf lease, eyes Trump takeover
The Trump administration has revoked a lease agreement for three public courses in the Washington, D.C. area, a decision that reflects the president's broader pattern of asserting his brand and vision over civic infrastructure in the nation's capital.
The National Links Trust, a nonprofit organization, has operated three public golf facilities—East Potomac, Rock Creek Park and Langston—for the past five years, developing a comprehensive restoration plan designed to deliver exceptional golf experiences at accessible price points. In pursuit of this mission, the Trust enlisted renowned architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak and Beau Welling to direct the renovations, with all three contributing their expertise pro bono. According to the organization, it invested more than $ 8.5 million in capital improvements while doubling both rounds played and revenue during its stewardship.
However, last month the Trump Administration began depositing demolition debris from the White House's East Wing renovation onto East Potomac amid indications that the president harbors alternative ambitions for the property. The administration compelled the National Links Trust to accept the material under threat of lease violation.
On Wednesday, the Interior Department formally terminated the Trust's 50-year lease, citing failures to implement required capital improvements and satisfy specific lease provisions.
"The National Links Trust is devastated by the Trump administration's decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service," the organization stated. "Since assuming stewardship of Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston courses five years ago, NLT has consistently complied with all lease obligations as we work to ensure the brightest possible future for public golf in DC."
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The Trust emphasized its "fundamental disagreement with the administration's characterization of NLT as being in default under the lease." The Department of the Interior countered that "The Trump administration prides itself on getting the job done for the American people and partnering with others who share that same goal."
East Potomac has emerged as the focal point of presidential interest. Commanding vistas of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the property's renovation has been characterized as a potential template for democratizing golf nationwide. However, according to three sources with knowledge of the administration's intentions, Trump envisions transforming East Potomac into a championship venue capable of hosting professional tournaments, including a prospective Ryder Cup. This vision includes replacing Doak with Tom Fazio, who maintains longstanding professional ties with the president.
The Ryder Cup’s next open date is not until 2041, and the event is already set to visit the Washington, D.C. area in 2037 at Congressional Country Club.
Last month, Trump assured the Wall Street Journal that local golfers would receive preferential rates at the facility. Yet this pledge stands in contrast to the Trump Golf portfolio's established pricing structure. Across nearly two dozen courses worldwide, those available for public play command some of the industry's most premium green fees.
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President Trump's golf holdings have experienced a renaissance since his return to office. The PGA Tour, which departed Trump Doral a decade ago, has not only reinstated the Miami property on its schedule but designated it a signature event. The DP World Tour likewise added a Trump venue to its 2025 calendar, and following persistent presidential overtures to British officials regarding Turnberry (which has fallen out of the claret jug's rota since Trump's 2016 election run), the R&A appeared to marginally soften its position on the Scottish links, as new CEO Mark Darbon acknowledged this summer that while logistical obstacles persist, the course remains under consideration.
Sources close to the president indicate his sustained desire to host a major championship at one of his properties, particularly after the 2022 PGA Championship was relocated from Trump National Bedminster following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
For now, National Links Trust retains operational control of the facilities, though all renovation work has been suspended. "While this termination is a major setback, we remain stubbornly hopeful that a path forward can be found that preserves affordable and accessible public golf in the nation's capital for generations to come," the organization stated. As of Thursday morning, sources familiar with the Trust's deliberations indicate the organization is contemplating legal recourse.
The lease termination coincides with broader Trump Administration efforts to inscribe the president's name across civic institutions, including rebranding initiatives at the U.S. Institute of Peace and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Trump also recently announced that Jack Nicklaus will take the lead on restoring two golf courses at Joint Base Andrews, the military installation just outside D.C.
