The government of US President Donald Trump announced the termination of the lease agreements for three public golf courses in the U.S. capital Washington, D.C. These are the historically significant golf courses Rock Creek, Langston, and East Potomac located in the heart of the city. Especially notable is East Potomac, which is prominently situated with views of the Washington Monument and offers players stunning scenery. This decision to terminate the leases reflects the president's pattern of prioritizing his brand and vision over the city's infrastructure.
NLT Invested Millions in Renovation and Modernization
The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit organization, has managed the three golf courses for about five years and claims to have invested $8.5 million in renovations. An extensive refurbishment plan was presented, with golf architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling volunteering their expertise to lead the projects. Thanks to these investments in modernization, NLT was able to double both the number of played rounds and revenue during its operation.
As early as mid-December 2025, Donald Trump had threatened the National Links Trust (NLT) with lease termination, alleging violations of the lease agreements. NLT denied knowledge of any breaches and expressed confusion over the administration's threats. In October, the government had already dumped construction debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House onto East Potomac's grounds.
Trump Administration Enforces Termination of 50-Year Leases
On Wednesday, the US government followed through on its threat and terminated the 50-year lease agreements with NLT, citing the organization's failure to make required investments and to meet certain contractual conditions. The golf courses are largely located on land owned by the National Park Service, part of the Department of the Interior.
The National Links Trust expressed deep dismay over the Trump administration's decision, stating it has met all contractual obligations since taking over responsibility for Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston five years ago to secure a promising future for public golf in Washington, D.C.
NLT emphasized its fundamental disagreement with the administration's claims of contractual violations. The Department of the Interior responded that the Trump administration is proud to serve the American people and collaborate with partners sharing the same goals.
East Potomac in Focus of Trump’s Golf Vision
East Potomac has attracted particular interest from the president. Offering breathtaking views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River, its renovation is seen as a potential model for democratizing golf nationwide. However, according to sources familiar with the administration’s intentions, Trump plans to transform East Potomac into a championship course capable of hosting professional tournaments, possibly including the Ryder Cup. Notably, the next available Ryder Cup date is in 2041, with the 2037 event already scheduled nearby at the Congressional Golf Club. Trump's vision involves replacing the three volunteer architects with Tom Fazio, who has longstanding professional ties to the president.
In December, President Trump promised that Washington, D.C. residents would still enjoy discounted play on a Trump-designed course, a pledge that contrasts with his twelve privately owned golf courses worldwide, known for being among the