As the United States gets ready to turn the calendar to 2026, President Trump is taking heat for his golf course announcement.
President Trump, 79, is making his presence felt in the Washington, D.C. golf course community. President Trump, who owns three prominent courses in the United States – one in New Jersey, one in Virginia and one in Florida – wants to take over another one in the D.C. area.
The President of the United States announced that he is going to declare the National Links Trust in default on its 50-year lease with the National Park Service. That would allow his administration to take over the Washington, D.C. golf course scene.
May 25, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Former President Donald Trump putts on the sixth hole during the Pro-Am tournament as part of the LIV Golf Washington D.C. 2023 event at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington DC. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The White House is excited about the possibility.
“President Trump is a champion-level golfer with an extraordinary eye for detail and design, and his vision to renovate and beautify DC’s public golf courses will bring much-needed improvements that American citizens will be able to enjoy.”
However, those in Washington, D.C. are concerned.
President Trump’s move sparks outrage
The public Washington, D.C. golf courses are known for their accessibility and affordability. If President Trump seizes control, that could change.
D.C. Council member Charles Allen is not happy.
“These are historic, important public courses that have a rich history of affordability and access. It concerns me to have the Trump administration terminate the lease for, let’s be honest, made-up reasons. It seems to be about a grab of the land for the wealthy and well-connected.”
Allen added, “We may be in a very difficult situation depending on which route the Trump administration takes on this. I think our attorney general is going to be looking at all options if there is any recourse for the district. But again, the termination of a lease that everyone has worked on for so long would be really devastating.”
President Trump, meanwhile, remains committed to the potential takeover, though many in D.C. remain worried.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the Golf section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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