Trump Transforms DC's East Potomac Golf Course into Private Club

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President Donald Trump is converting the East Potomac public golf course in Washington, D.C. into a more expensive private club, drawing criticism from local golfers who say it will price out working-class Americans. Trump has battled with a nonprofit called the National Links Trust, which had a 50-year lease to operate the course, and has now terminated that lease on what some experts claim are spurious grounds.

Why it matters

The East Potomac golf course has long been an affordable public option for DC residents, but Trump's plans to transform it into a more exclusive, high-end club will make it inaccessible to many. This highlights the broader issue of public land and resources being privatized and taken away from community use.

The details

Trump's crews have already begun dumping "mystery mud" on parts of the East Potomac course, which turned out to be the remains of the East Wing that Trump had demolished to build a White House ballroom. Experts say Trump's plans to host major golf tournaments at the course are not feasible, and the National Links Trust, which previously operated the course, claims it has complied with all lease obligations despite Trump's claims.

• On February 15, 2026, Trump's crews began dumping "mystery mud" on parts of the East Potomac golf course.
• A few days prior, Trump had demolished the East Wing of the White House to build a new ballroom.

What’s next

The National Links Trust plans to challenge Trump's termination of their lease in court, arguing that they have upheld their obligations.