Trump wants to make his West Palm Beach golf club a permanent presidential retreat

President Donald Trump has expressed support for a plan to turn his private golf property in West Palm Beach, Florida, into an official, enduring presidential retreat and designated national golf venue. Under the concept, the club would serve as a permanent retreat accessible to former, current, and incoming commanders in chief, as well as foreign leaders.

The proposal was submitted to local officials in a letter sent by Harvey Oyer, an attorney representing Trump International Golf Club, and addressed to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners. The communication, initially reported by The Palm Beach Post and later obtained by NBC News, asks the county to transfer a portion of the land beneath the facility to the federal government. The club would fund the construction of dedicated presidential accommodations on the grounds in collaboration with government planners.

Oyer argued in the correspondence that the site could gain global recognition comparable to traditional sovereign residences and retreats, citing historic locations such as Camp David, Britain's Windsor Castle, and France's Elysee Palace. He stressed that the facility would be open to leaders regardless of their political party.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the concept originated outside his inner circle, noting that representatives from the military and the Secret Service had pitched the idea to him. Trump described the project as a sensible initiative intended to benefit future administrations rather than himself personally, praising the quality of the playing grounds and remarking that commanders in chief historically tend to play the sport. When asked whether the location might take a moniker like Camp Donald, Trump pointed out that it already carries the name Trump International.

The White House affirmed the details of the initiative following inquiries, issuing a statement that pointed to the logistical and security benefits of the Florida site. Administration officials noted that the property is located very close to the local airport, lacks neighboring high-rises or surrounding residential housing, and offers strong security advantages alongside proximity to local police agencies.

Officials maintained that these characteristics make the site well suited for hosting high-level diplomatic discussions while offering the security profile and amenities required for a presidential compound. The county commission has yet to publicly rule on the request to transfer the land to federal oversight.