In an ambitious move, former President Donald Trump is seeking to transform his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, into a designated retreat for U.S. presidents. This plan would establish the site as the “permanent United States Presidential Golf Course,” allowing all past, present, and future presidents to utilize the facilities, as outlined in a recent proposal from the club’s attorney.
The proposal was formally presented to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, emphasizing the intention to build a presidential retreat funded by Trump himself. The letter, obtained by NBC News, underlines the potential significance of this location, likening it to well-known retreats like Camp David.
In a statement confirming the proposal to The Washington Post, the White House indicated that the new retreat could serve as a venue for presidents to conduct important meetings and enjoy the amenities of a top-tier golf course. Trump, addressing reporters in the Oval Office, mentioned that the idea was suggested by military and Secret Service personnel, and he expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “This wouldn’t be for me. This would be for all future presidents,” he stated, asserting the course’s status as one of the best in the world.
Harvey Oyer, the attorney representing the Trump International Golf Club, noted that the property’s proximity to security features and law enforcement makes it an ideal choice for a presidential retreat. The intention is to collaborate with the government to construct an appropriate lodging facility on the land, which is currently owned by the county.
As part of the proposal, Oyer emphasized the inclusive nature of the retreat, which would be available to all presidents, regardless of political affiliation, as well as visiting heads of state. Trump jokingly responded to a reporter’s inquiry about whether the retreat would be dubbed “Camp Donald,” stating that it is already known as Trump International.
Photo credit: Christopher Beckett
