Donald Trump has proposed turning part of his West Palm Beach golf club into a permanent presidential retreat, describing the concept as a golf-focused alternative to Camp David for future US presidents.
The proposal would create a dedicated presidential facility at Trump International Golf Club in Florida, which Trump says could be used by current and former presidents as well as visiting foreign leaders.
“It’s a great idea, and it’ll be used a lot,” Trump said, describing the concept as “sort of a Camp David”.
The plan has already been put before Palm Beach County, which owns the land beneath the golf course. Trump International Golf Club has operated there under a county lease dating back to 1996, meaning local approval would be required for significant changes to the property.
Golf At The Centre Of The Proposal
Trump believes the West Palm Beach site already offers several characteristics suited to a presidential retreat.
He highlighted its proximity to an airport, relative separation from surrounding residential areas and the existing security infrastructure associated with presidential visits.
Under the proposal, a new presidential lodging facility would be constructed with a separate entrance from the private golf club. The club would fund the development and work with the Secret Service and other agencies to make the presidential section available to the federal government.
The wider golf operation would continue separately.
Trump said the idea had been raised by the Secret Service and suggested golf made the location particularly suitable for presidents looking for a weekend retreat.
“It seems that all presidents play golf,” he said.
A Golfing Version Of Camp David
Camp David, located in Maryland, has served as a presidential retreat for decades and has hosted everything from informal weekends to major diplomatic meetings.
Trump has regularly preferred spending time at his own golf properties during his presidencies, including clubs in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia.
The West Palm Beach proposal would attempt to formalise that golf-club environment as a retreat available to future administrations rather than simply the sitting president.
An attorney representing the club has proposed designating it the “U.S. Presidential Golf Course”, with the facility potentially hosting presidents and foreign heads of state.
Palm Beach County officials have acknowledged the proposal and indicated they are willing to examine it, although no final approval has been granted.
The plan also creates an unusual overlap between a presidential facility and a privately operated golf business, something likely to remain part of the discussion as the proposal moves through the county process.
For golfers, however, the concept is notable for another reason: it would place the game itself at the centre of a permanent US presidential retreat.
If approved, Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach could eventually become something unique in American golf — part private club, part presidential destination and potentially a venue for meetings involving some of the world’s most powerful leaders.
