The Trump administration cancels leases of Washington D.C.’s public golf courses, citing investments and future plans as key issues.
The government of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements for the three public golf courses in the capital, Washington, D.C. These include the historically significant courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac located within the city. Particularly, East Potomac golf course enjoys a prominent location with a stunning view of the Washington Monument and the surrounding landscape. This decision to end the leases reflects the president’s broader pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the urban infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
NLT Invested 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 into renovating the facilities. A comprehensive renovation plan was submitted, with architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling leading the projects pro bono. These investments have doubled both the number of rounds played and revenue during the operation period.
Already in mid-December 2025, Donald Trump threatened to terminate the leases with the NLT, alleging breaches of the lease agreements. The NLT denied any knowledge of such violations and expressed confusion over the government’s threats. Earlier, in October, the government controversially dumped debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto the East Potomac site.
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Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the administration fulfilled its threat and terminated the 50-year leases with the NLT, citing failure to make required investments and violations of lease terms. The golf courses are primarily located on lands managed by the National Park Service, an Interior Department agency.
\”The National Links Trust is deeply saddened by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service,\” the organization stated. \”Since assuming responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses five years ago, the NLT has consistently met all contractual obligations to ensure the best possible future for public golf in Washington, D.C.\”
The NLT emphasized a fundamental disagreement with the government’s claims of lease violations. The Interior Department responded, \”The Trump administration takes pride in serving the American people and working with partners sharing 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 its breathtaking view of the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, the course’s renovation is considered a potential model for nationwide democratization of golf. However, sources familiar with the administration’s plans reveal that Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, potentially including the Ryder Cup. Notably, the next available Ryder Cup slot is in 2041, following the 2037 event at the Congressional Golf Club near the capital. Trump’s vision also involves replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, the president promised that Washington, D.C. residents would continue to enjoy discounted play at a Trump
