Trump administration issues default notice to National Links Trust over DC golf courses
WASHINGTON, DC: The Trump administration has officially placed the National Links Trust on notice as of Saturday, December 13, signaling a potential shift in the management of Washington’s three historic municipal golf courses.
The move, which involves a notice of default dated October 29, effectively puts the nonprofit group on the clock to address unspecified concerns or risk losing its 50-year lease.
Donald Trump eyes historic redevelopment
President Trump, who has long been associated with high-end golf properties, confirmed his interest in the project during an interview on Friday.
“If we do them, we’ll do it really beautifully,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal.
The administration’s move could see the management of East Potomac, Rock Creek, and Langston courses transfer from the nonprofit to direct oversight that aligns with the president's standards.
While the specific reasons for the default notice remain undisclosed, the 45-day remedy period implies a critical deadline is approaching next week.
The effort aligns with a broader push by the president to leave his mark on the nation’s capital, ranging from the Kennedy Center to street enforcement.
National Links Trust hopes for a partnership
The National Links Trust, which signed the lease with the National Park Service in 2020, has pushed back gently on the notification while leaving the door open for collaboration.
Our statement regarding today's Wall Street Journal article about our three properties in Washington, DC. Thank you to our community for their continued support. pic.twitter.com/nXAkwWMWXB
— National Links Trust (@links_national) December 13, 2025
“National Links Trust appreciates the president’s interest in the DC golf courses and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with the administration to improve these historically significant facilities,” the group stated on Friday evening.
The nonprofit noted that it has already begun extensive renovation work, including breaking ground at the Rock Creek location in Upper Northwest last month.
Big names swirl around redesign rumors
Speculation regarding the future design of the courses has intensified, with high-profile names surfacing in connection to the project.
Ed Russo, an environmental consultant for the Trump Organization, recently suggested that golf legend Tiger Woods was 'on board' to assist with the Langston course. However, representatives for Woods’ design firm have not confirmed involvement.
Sources familiar with the matter also indicate that President Trump has been in contact with renowned architects. Discussions reportedly took place with Coore & Crenshaw regarding East Potomac, though the firm reportedly had to decline due to scheduling.
Additionally, the president met with Tom Fazio, a designer responsible for several Trump properties in Virginia and New Jersey.
White House soil sparks curiosity
The transition has already begun physically at the East Potomac site, where trucks have been depositing soil transported directly from the White House’s East Wing renovation.
The material has been placed between the sixth and ninth holes, fueling curiosity among local golfers. While the National Links Trust has not seen test results for the soil, they have been assured by the National Park Service that the material is being monitored.
The Department of the Interior framed the activity as a positive step for the city.
“It’s truly inspiring to see this administration prioritizing DC beautification, all while being good stewards of our environment by reusing resources to enhance and uplift our community,” a spokesperson said.
