After firing the nonprofit previously charged with renovating three public golf courses in Washington, the Trump administration has reversed course and partially renewed its long-term oversight after monthslong conflict.
National Links Trust announced Friday an agreement with the Interior Department for a new lease to continue fully running Rock Creek Park Golf and Langston Golf Course after losing its previous 50-year management agreement awarded during the first Trump administration. The nonprofit will also retain control of East Potomac Golf Links — but only until the National Park Service takes up its own “historic restoration” at the site, according to a NLT news release.
The decision follows strife over the NPS-owned courses between the nonprofit and President Donald Trump, who previously expressed interest in taking over one or all of them to create a nationally renowned golf facility.
“We are pleased that Washington, DC’s municipal golf courses — East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf — will now remain open, accessible, and affordable for the residents and communities that depend on them,” wrote Mike McCartin and Will Smith, NLT co-founders, in the release. “National Links Trust will continue operating all three courses, and we are committed to building on the progress we have made over the past five years.”
