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6h ago

Interior Cancels D.C. Public Golf Course Lease With National Links Trust

The nonprofit rejects the default allegations, saying $8.5 million in approved upgrades satisfied rent rules.

Tall trees tower over golfers on the Rock Creek Park Golf Course on October 31, 2023, in Washington, DC.
A golfer tees off as a dump truck exits a makeshift dump site after dropping soil and debris from the East Wing of the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom is being built, at the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 23, 2025. REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak
Former President Donald Trump takes a swing during a practice round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
US President Donald Trump, on the first tee during the official opening of the New Course, the second championship course at Trump International Golf Links, on the Menie Estate in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. The president is opening up a new course dedicated to his Scottish mother, who grew up on the Isle of Lewis, as part of his five-day private trip to the country. Picture date: Tuesday July 29, 2025. 81132044 (Press Association via AP Images)

Overview

  • The Department of the Interior terminated the 50-year lease effective immediately, citing missed capital-improvement obligations and other breaches.
  • National Links Trust disputes the decision and the claim of unpaid rent, saying the lease allowed rent offsets for approved projects and that it invested about $8.5 million.
  • Day-to-day operations will continue under NLT to keep the courses open, but long-term renovations have stopped and Rock Creek contractors are demobilizing.
  • Interior issued a formal default notice on Oct. 29 giving 45 days to propose a cure before this week’s termination.
  • Future control of East Potomac, Rock Creek and Langston remains undecided, with President Trump previously signaling interest in redesigns but no plan announced as NLT retains legal counsel.