Trump told reporters from the Oval Office that he has drafted a proposal to turn his West Palm Beach golf club into a presidential retreat, comparing it loosely to Camp David. He said the site already has the security infrastructure that a presidential facility would need. The idea was reportedly suggested by the Secret Service.
In a letter to Palm Beach County commissioners, Trump’s attorney Harvey Oyer said the club would become a ‘US Presidential Golf Course’, with a dedicated entrance and lodging built at the club’s expense. The proposal would allow the county to monetize a high‑profile asset while offering future leaders a secure weekend base. The club is leased from the county, meaning approval is required from local officials.
The club has already earned $37 million in its first year of Trump’s ownership, a figure that underscores its commercial value. The proposal would have the club pay to construct the presidential lodging and then work with the Secret Service and other agencies to provide free access to the federal government. The plan also includes a separate entrance for the retreat to keep it distinct from the private club.
Earlier presidents have leveraged private properties for official use. Eisenhower turned over his Gettysburg Farm to the National Park Service and Roosevelt donated part of his Hyde Park estate; the current president has also announced plans to remodel the White House and other monuments. The new retreat would add to a list of Trump’s real‑estate projects that blend business and public service.
County officials have said they will review the proposal during the next council meeting. If approved, construction could begin in 2027, with the first presidential use slated for the 2028 transition. Trump’s proposal remains pending, but the project’s future hinges on the county’s approval and the federal government’s willingness to cooperate.