Trump Proposes Florida Presidential Retreat

Attorney Harvey Oyer on Sept. 3 proposed to Palm Beach County commissioners that Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach be designated a U.S. Presidential Golf Course for past, current and future presidents and visiting foreign heads of state. The club sits on county-owned leased land and would pay to build lodging, provide facility access at no federal cost, and offer complimentary memberships for future presidents. Oyer likened it to Camp David, Windsor Castle and the Elysee Palace. County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo said the county is seriously considering the plan; no name has been chosen. A White House official cited proximity to Donald J. Trump International Airport, security features, no houses along the highly rated course, and a site less than five miles from Mar-a-Lago. The letter called the plan a gift to successors because Trump would leave office before completion. Trump said in 2017 he could enjoy Camp David only about 30 minutes. Marjorie Merriweather Post gifted Mar-a-Lago to the federal government in 1973; the National Park Service returned it over upkeep costs, and Trump bought it in 1985. The Washington Post reported Oct. 7, 2026 that review had advanced. Coverage differs on whether the plan is a public gift or keeps a presidential facility tied to a Trump family business.