Trump Proposes Camp David-Style Retreat at Florida Golf Club
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, he wants part of his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, to serve as a retreat for presidents who follow him. U.S. News
Trump described the plan as "sort of a Camp David" that would be safe and secluded, much like the current presidential retreat in Maryland. He called the idea "a great idea" and said it was suggested by the U.S. Secret Service. NPR
The proposal would use only a section of the golf club, not the entire property. ABC News Under the terms sent to Palm Beach County, the club would pay for new lodging for presidents. It would work with the Secret Service and other agencies to give the federal government free access. The retreat would have its own entrance, separate from the private club.
Those terms were laid out in a letter from Trump attorney Harvey Oyer to Palm Beach County commissioners. Oyer said Trump would designate the site as a "U.S. Presidential Golf Course" for current and former presidents and visiting foreign leaders.
The ownership setup is split. The Trump Organization owns the club buildings but leases the land from Palm Beach County, which means it rents the ground under a long-term contract. The plan is now with local officials for review.
Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo said officials are eager to explore the proposal as a historic opportunity.
The filing would place a federal use on county-leased land inside a private-membership business. The West Palm Beach club brought Trump nearly $37 million during his first year back in office, according to his financial disclosure. The course was also the site of an unsuccessful attempt on Trump's life in 2024.
Under the proposal, the club would cover construction costs as a "gift" to Americans. BBC
The broader context here is procedural. A presidential facility on leased county land needs county approval and lasting agreement among agencies on security, access and daily operations. The proposal tries to answer two questions early with private funding and a separate entrance. Long-term control, upkeep and the terms of federal access would still need a written agreement.
The broader context for the name is about use. Calling it a "U.S. Presidential Golf Course" sets an expectation of priority use by sitting and former presidents and foreign leaders, while the rest of the club stays private. Ownership and operating costs would stay with the club, with government use offered at no charge.
The broader question for future presidents is practical. The test will be whether a retreat inside a commercial golf property can match current standards for seclusion and security. County commissioners control the next step, because any change in use of the leased land must go through them.
