Donald Trump is a known golf enthusiast. While he owns some of the most luxurious golf courses in the US, the POTUS is also looking to take over the public courses of the country. For example, last fall, debris of the US President’s demolition of the East Wing was unloaded at the East Potomac Park. Looking at the same, the management immediately decided to take some drastic steps. In order to prevent such a takeover from recurring, the front office has resorted to legal tactics.

In a recent report, the National Links Trust has retained Williams & Connolly to restrict the POTUS. The main objective of Williams & Connolly will be to oversee the situation and prevent Trump from taking over the public courses in Washington, which has a rich line of history and heritage. Speaking to Axios, the sources close to the management have provided the necessary details while refusing to reveal their identity. 

For the ones who are unfamiliar with the works of Williams & Connolly, it is a storied firm in D.C. Most importantly, the company also has a history with Trump. It was this very firm that stood up to Trump’s campaign which he held against the Big Law back in 2025.

Reflecting on the entire situation, an NLT spokesperson, Jeff Arnold, pointed out, “No decision has been made whether to litigate but we are leaving all options open.” 

As of now, it is believed that Trump is looking to bring a major golf overhaul to Washington. Eyeing an elite event like that of the Ryder Cup in the state, the POTUS wants to revamp the public golf courses. Interestingly, the likes of East Potomac, Langston, and the Rock Creek Park are all owned by the federal government. According to the federal government’s claim, the NLT was lagging behind significantly in terms of modifying and renovating the courses. 

And this was surprising because the NLT has been in constant contact with the top architects of the country. And not only that, it did toil through project approvals on a constant basis. Back when the soils were being piled up at the East Potomac, the NLT was told by the Interior Department that they were a defaulter on the lease. Unfortunately, on December 30 last year, the lease was canceled altogether. Meanwhile, as the situation seems to be getting complicated, President Trump has promised a significant improvement in the golfing experience while he eyes a total overhaul.

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Trump eyes East Potomac overhaul as locals fear rising golf course costs

After the announcement about Trump capturing the courses started making waves, Trump shared his take on the matter with the Wall Street Journal. While explaining the thought and vision behind the action, Trump shared how he has plans to recruit architect Tom Fazio to renovate East Potomac. Alongside that, he has decided to rename the course, Washington National Golf Course. 

Furthermore, promising fans and golf enthusiasts, the President clearly stated, “If we do them, we’ll do it really beautifully.” However, despite all promises, the grounds of criticisms are arising from the point of view of the locals who has been managing these courses for years. They have always wanted the courses to be affordable for all, particularly the ones who are young and aspire to grow up as professional golfers. But now, as it goes under Trump’s authority, locals fear that the prices will face a hike.

On the other hand, appreciating the step taken up by Trump’s administration, a National Links Trust official has shared, “National Links Trust respectfully disagrees with the characterization that we are in default. National Links Trust appreciates the president’s interest in the D.C. golf courses and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with the administration to improve these historically significant facilities.”

The National Links Trust has denied that it breached its lease and says it is willing to work with Trump. Adding to that, they are hopeful that he can help reduce red tape and rely on its local expertise. The co-founder of NLT, Mike McCartin, has revealed how the East Potomac course would need a $400 million seawall.

NLT is seemingly trying to build a closer relationship with the President. They also pitched a plan to the Trump administration. As part of this effort, NLT submitted a proposal called “Make DC Golf Great Again.” According to reports, the proposal suggests creating a special oversight board to guide golf operations in Washington. Adding to that, they have proposed that top names from the sports would join as members. Names such as the former PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, and Tiger Woods would be there to serve as members, while the POTUS would lead the board.