President Donald Trump has initiated a move that could significantly alter the management of municipal golf courses in Washington, D.C. The Trump administration issued a notice of default to the National Links Trust, the nonprofit organization responsible for overseeing the city’s three public golf courses: East Potomac Park, Langston, and Rock Creek. This action raises concerns among local officials about the potential for redevelopment and loss of public access to these historic sites.
Since taking over in 2020, the National Links Trust has managed these golf courses under a 50-year lease with the National Park Service, which is part of the Department of the Interior and directly reports to the president. The organization had plans to enhance the courses using funds from private donors and the city government, focusing on maintaining affordability and accessibility for all golfers.
Local golf officials are resisting the administration’s attempts to reclaim control of the courses. The notice of default, first reported by The Washington Post, did not specify the grounds for the alleged default. This ambiguity has led to speculation that the administration’s actions may be an effort to seize the land for wealthier interests, particularly given Trump’s recent actions, such as putting his name on the Kennedy Center.
Charles Allen, a member of the D.C. Council and an avid golfer, expressed concern about the administration’s motives. “These are historic, important public courses that have a rich history of affordability and access,” he stated. “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.”
In response to the notice, a representative from the National Links Trust indicated that the organization is open to collaborating with the administration to resolve any concerns. The Trust firmly disagrees with the characterization of being in default of its lease, stating, “In the five years since signing the lease, National Links Trust has worked hand in hand with the National Park Service through the extensive permitting and compliance processes required for these comprehensive renovation projects.”
The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, but the implications for the future of D.C.’s public golf courses could be profound. Local stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, emphasizing the need to ensure that these courses remain accessible to all golfers, regardless of socioeconomic status.
