The Trump administration’s effort to remake Washington, D.C. in the president’s aesthetic has now extended to the city’s public golf courses.
The issue came to a head late last year when the Department of the Interior abruptly terminated its long-term lease agreement with the nonprofit National Links Trust (NLT), leaving three historic municipal courses and their community programs in jeopardy. In 2020, the NLT had signed a 50-year lease with the National Park Service.
The dispute began early last year, when William Doffermyre, a White House adviser preparing at the time to become solicitor general at the Interior Department, met with National Links Trust founders Mike McCartin and Will Smith. Doffermyre proposed a partnership in which the federal government would streamline federal permitting and assist with fundraising to renovate East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf.
Doffermyre said the president had “taken a personal interest in reshaping prominent public spaces in the capital” and was eager to move quickly.
McCartin and Smith expressed interest but sought assurances that affordability and broad public access would remain central to any redevelopment. Doffermyre continued discussions with the pair last summer and referred them to the administration's legal counsel for advice.
On Aug. 1, 2025, after Doffermyre met with Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other senior advisers gathered to discuss what became known as the America 250 Golf Project, tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.
The proposal apparently centered on transforming East Potomac, with its clear views to the National Mall, into a championship-level course capable of hosting professional golf tournaments.
The National Park Foundation, chaired by Burgum, was to be the lead fundraising partner, initially charged with raising at least $50 million for the project.
The plan also suggested renovations to the Langston and Rock Creek courses, though they are apparently considered secondary priorities.
A draft circulated by the administration proposed creating a new nonprofit entity to control East Potomac, while leaving the NLT in charge of the other two courses.
That structure alarmed McCartin and Smith, who each claimed the split would prioritize prestige development over accessible municipal golf and weaken long-term investment at the Langston and Rock Creek facilities.
In October, the NLT presented a counterproposal calling for unified control of all three courses under an oversight board to include golf legend Tiger Woods, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, USGA President Fred Perpall, and former PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. The NLT also proposed safeguards to ensure that fundraising dollars would be evenly distributed across the three facilities, though it agreed to delay construction at East Potomac.
Administration officials, however, viewed the NLT’s response as a rejection of the project’s basic premise and an attempt to dictate terms despite the federal government’s control over the land, permits, and fundraising. As talks stalled, government officials concluded the nonprofit would be unable to advance the president’s agenda on the timeline they envisioned.
By late 2025, the Interior Department issued a notice of default, asserting the NLT had failed to meet financial and development benchmarks in its lease.
Shortly before the year’s end, the NLT lease was formally terminated by federal officials. This immediately stopped workforce development initiatives at Langston, youth golf programs tied to organizations such as the First Tee and Evans Scholars Foundation, and planned renovations to Rock Creek Park. While day-to-day golf operations continue at all three courses, all additional programs remain on hold and are not currently offered.
The Trump administration has said it will oversee the courses until a new partner is selected and has framed the takeover as part of the president’s broader pledge to “beautify and revitalize Washington.”
The NLT, however, disputes the government’s interpretation and legitimacy as the operator of each course. Regardless, the future of D.C.’s public golf system appears uncertain, underscoring a deeper clash between federal authority, private redevelopment ambitions, and the mission of municipal recreation.