The Trump administration cancels leases of Washington D.C.’s public golf courses amid disputes over investments and future plans.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated the lease agreements for three historic public golf courses in the nation’s capital: Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac. East Potomac, prominently located within view of the Washington Monument, offers players excellent views of the surrounding landscape. This decision reflects the general pattern of the president prioritizing his brand and vision over the city’s infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT) has operated the three courses for around five years as a nonprofit and reports having invested $8.5 million in refurbishments. A comprehensive renovation plan was submitted, and NLT enlisted golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to oversee the projects, who volunteered their expertise. Thanks to these investments, NLT doubled both rounds played and revenue during its tenure.
In mid-December 2025, Trump threatened to cancel the leases, accusing NLT of breaching contract terms, a claim NLT denied. Earlier, in October, the government dumped construction debris from the White House East Wing demolition onto East Potomac grounds, intensifying tensions.
Current reading recommendations
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the administration made good on its threat, ending the 50-year lease agreements with NLT due to alleged failure to fulfill investment requirements and contractual obligations. The courses mostly lie on National Park Service land under the Interior Department’s jurisdiction.
“The National Links Trust is deeply dismayed 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 met all contractual obligations to secure the future of public golf in Washington, D.C.”
NLT emphasized fundamental disagreement with the government’s claims of lease violations. The Interior Department responded: “The Trump administration is proud to serve the American people and partner with those who share this goal.”
East Potomac at the Center of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has become central to the president’s plans. With its stunning views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, the site is touted as a model for democratizing golf nationwide. However, according to three sources familiar with the administration’s intentions, Trump intends to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional events, potentially including the Ryder Cup. The next available Ryder Cup date is 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled at Congressional Golf Club near Washington. Trump’s vision includes replacing the volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, a longtime associate.
In December, the president promised that Washington residents would continue to have access to affordable play on a Trump-designed course, a claim that contrasts with the twelve privately operated, premium-priced Trump golf courses worldwide.
