Full Breakdown
Trump Proposes Permanent U.S. Presidential Golf Course at West Palm Beach
9/6/2026, 3:51:58 AM
Core Proposal
A September letter from attorney Harvey Oyer III to Palm Beach County commissioners would make the 27-hole Trump International Golf Club—an 18-hole, par-72 Championship Course and a nine-hole, par-36 “Trump Nine” Course—available to all past, current and future U.S. presidents and visiting foreign heads of state. The plan calls for dedicated presidential lodging, with the club covering costs and coordinating with the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Secret Service.
Background & Context
Trump’s ties to Palm Beach include two of his children, many grandchildren, President Donald J. Trump Boulevard and President Donald J. Trump International Airport. The letter frames the gift as a continuation of historic presidential donations, citing Dwight Eisenhower’s Gettysburg Farm and Franklin Roosevelt’s Hyde Park estate. The club is owned by the Trump family but sits on county-owned land under a lease that originated from a settlement involving the nearby airport.
Course Details & Lease Arrangement
- Design & History: Designed by Jim Fazio, the property opened in 1992 as the first Trump Organization golf venture and hosted the LPGA Tour’s ADT Championship from 2001 to 2008.
- Legal Framework: The proposal envisions a land-rights transaction in which Trump International would grant the county legal rights to the land needed for the lodging and support structures. The county would then lease the property to a federal agency, allowing it to act as landlord.
Official Statements & Responses
Verbatim Quote
- “This likely would further cement Palm Beach County's place on the national and international stage for generations to come,” — Joseph Abruzzo, county administrator
Potential Impact
The site’s proximity to the airport, favorable South Florida climate, and existing security infrastructure are cited as factors that make it “ideal” for the intended use.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No public opposition or formal federal response has been documented. The proposal remains subject to review by Palm Beach County commissioners, the GSA, the Secret Service, and other federal agencies. Details on the timeline for constructing the presidential lodging and the exact lease terms have not been disclosed.
What’s Next
County officials will work with the Board of County Commissioners to examine the proposal’s legal, financial and community implications. Next steps include negotiations with federal partners and an assessment of how the project aligns with existing federal property-use regulations. Until those reviews are completed, the designation of the Trump International Golf Club as a permanent presidential golf course remains a proposal pending approval.
