Full Breakdown
Trump Proposes Presidential Retreat at West Palm Beach Golf Club
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Proposal
Attorney Harvey Oyer submitted a letter to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners proposing that a portion of Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach become a permanent “U.S. Presidential Golf Course.” The plan calls for a federal-owned retreat that would host current, past and future U.S. presidents and visiting foreign heads of state, with complimentary club memberships offered to future presidents. Oyer says the Trump Organization would fund lodging construction, the county-owned land would be leased to the federal government, and a separate entrance would connect the public facility to the private course. The county is reportedly “seriously considering” the offer and is in contact with the General Services Administration (GSA) to identify a suitable parcel.
Background & Context
Camp David, the existing presidential retreat in Maryland, was built by the Works Progress Administration between 1935 and 1938 as a recreational camp for federal employees. President Franklin D. Roosevelt converted it to a presidential retreat in 1942; President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed it “Camp David” in 1953 and later hosted Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev there for diplomatic talks.
Financial Context
Trump’s most recent financial disclosure shows $36.9 million in earnings from the West Palm Beach club. A separate analysis cited that the president earned at least $2.2 billion in his second term, including $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency-related income.
Official Statements & Responses
A White House spokesperson told reporters that the property’s proximity to county facilities is being examined as part of a feasibility study. County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo said the county is reviewing the proposal with the Board of County Commissioners, the Trump team and federal agencies. The GSA is being consulted to manage the federal-property aspects of the plan.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just as Camp David, Windsor Castle, or the Elysee Palace are known worldwide, so too will the Presidential Golf Course in Palm Beach County,” — Harvey Oyer, attorney
- “It would further cement Palm Beach County as one of the most recognizable brands and destinations in the world,” — Harvey Oyer, attorney
- “This is a gift that the president would like to share with his successors, the people of America, and his fellow Palm Beach County residents,” — Harvey Oyer, attorney
Potential Implications
If approved, the retreat would add a second federally designated presidential getaway, potentially shifting some diplomatic activity from Camp David to Florida. The arrangement would also create a lasting “gift” for future presidents, according to Oyer’s letter.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- No public cost estimate has been released for construction.
- The exact location of the presidential lodging facilities has not been determined.
- The proposal is described as “preliminary,” with multiple federal agencies required to review it before any agreement is finalized.
- Both the county and the White House have indicated that the project would not be completed before the current president leaves office, leaving the timeline for realization uncertain.