Trump Proposes Presidential Retreat at Florida Golf Club

Former President Donald Trump has proposed transforming one of his private golf courses in West Palm Beach, Florida, into a presidential retreat for his successors, envisioning a facility akin to Camp David.

Trump stated that the property already possesses many of the necessary security features to host presidents and world leaders, suggesting it would be a valuable asset for presidential downtime. "It’s a great idea, and it’ll be used a lot," Trump said, claiming the concept was suggested by the U.S. Secret Service. He noted that presidents often play golf and that the location is conveniently close to an airport with adequate distance from residential areas and tall buildings, which can pose security risks.

The proposal, which has been submitted to local officials, represents another instance of Trump seeking to integrate his business ventures with the presidency. The golf course was the site of an attempted assassination in 2024, where an armed man was arrested and later convicted of trying to kill Trump.

Camp David, a U.S. government-owned facility in Maryland, has historically served as a retreat and meeting place for presidents. However, Trump often opted for his private properties, including golf clubs in Florida, New Jersey, and Virginia, during his time in office.

This plan follows a pattern of Trump's real estate development projects aimed at enhancing presidential or federal facilities. These include proposals for a White House ballroom, gilding the Oval Office, constructing a triumphal arch, renovating the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and rebuilding a golf course in East Potomac Park. He has also initiated plans for a future presidential library in a Miami skyscraper.

A letter submitted to Palm Beach County commissioners by an attorney representing the golf course indicated Trump's intention to designate it as a "U.S. Presidential Golf Course." The attorney, Harvey Oyer, suggested that like Camp David, Windsor Castle, or the Elysée Palace, this facility would gain worldwide recognition.

Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo expressed enthusiasm for the "historic opportunity," stating it would further solidify the county's national and international standing. Under the proposal, the Trump Organization, which owns the club and leases the land from the county, would fund the construction of a new presidential lodging. This facility would operate independently of the private club and provide free access to the federal government, coordinated with the Secret Service and other agencies.

Oyer emphasized that the project would be a "gift to his successors" as Trump would be out of office before its completion. He drew parallels to past presidents like Dwight Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who donated land for public use.

Mar-a-Lago, Trump's primary residence, was previously considered as a "Winter White House" before he purchased it in 1985. The estate was initially left to the National Park Service by its former owner, Marjorie Merriweather Post, but was returned to her estate due to high maintenance costs.