National Links Trust Secures Long-Term Leases for DC Public Golf Courses with Trump Administration Deal

The National Links Trust announced late Friday that the Trump administration helped keep Washington, D.C.'s three public golf courses open, accessible and affordable for residents and communities that depend on them.

The NLT will hold a long-term lease for two courses. The third, East Potomac Golf Links, will be operated by the NLT until federal officials undertake a historic restoration.

"We are grateful that our talented and dedicated employees can now look forward with certainty about the future," the NLT said in a statement. "We thank President Trump for reaching an agreement that keeps Washington, DC's three public golf courses open, welcoming and affordable community gathering places for DC residents and all golfers."

The NLT added, "We look forward to continuing providing our expertise in operating and managing these beloved and historic courses and to making DC proud."

The Trump administration had initially sought to take control of the courses. It said the NLT failed to provide the National Park Service with reasonable assurances of necessary funding, ability or a plan to meet capital-investment obligations.

The NLT kept operating the courses, and a resolution now appears in place.

Trump has discussed transforming East Potomac Golf Links into a U.S. Open-caliber course. Signs posted this week warned of disruptions, and preservation advocates sued the government after debris from the White House East Wing demolition, which tested positive for lead, was dumped there.

The National Park Service said in a statement that the course will become a top-tier 18-hole championship golf course capable of hosting pre-eminent tournament golf. It will offer players of all abilities an incredible experience in the heart of the Nation’s Capital and the National Mall.

The Washington Commanders foundation is partnering with the NLT at Langston Golf Course, less than a mile from the Commanders' future home at the RFK Stadium site. The new stadium is slated to open in 2030.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.