Camp David has hosted American presidents for decades, but Donald Trump isn't a fan of the rustic Maryland retreat. Instead, he wants a brand-new official presidential getaway built at his own private golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Lawyers representing Trump International Golf Club submitted a proposal to Palm Beach County officials, pitching a designated parcel of the private property as a permanent, official institution for future commanders-in-chief and visiting world leaders. The plan compares the proposed facility to historic landmarks like Britain's Windsor Castle or France's Elysee Palace.
Trump publicly embraced the idea, stating it would be a great asset for all future presidents regardless of political party.
"They asked if I'd be willing to do it, and I said I would be," Trump told reporters, emphasizing that the project is intended for future administrations rather than his own personal use. According to an attorney representing the club, Trump would personally cover the construction costs for the presidential residence and associated facilities on the grounds.
The proposal involves a land arrangement where a parcel would be granted to Palm Beach County, which would then establish a lease agreement with a federal agency such as the General Services Administration. Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo confirmed that local officials are reviewing the plan and communicating with federal representatives to explore logistics.
Proponents of the site highlight its unique logistical advantages. The West Palm Beach course sits just minutes away from the newly renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport. Supporters also point out that the course lacks surrounding residential high-rises that could compromise perimeter security, making it structurally simpler to secure than other urban properties.
At the same time, the location carries notable historical security weight. The property was the site of an attempted assassination against Trump in September 2024, when a gunman hid near the course perimeter before Secret Service agents intervened.
Critics and ethics watchdogs have raised immediate questions regarding the commercial impact on the Trump family business. Because the Trump family operates the golf club, any official federal designation could drive increased commercial value and continuous high-level traffic to the private enterprise.
Whether local officials and federal agencies will formalize the plan remains an open question. For now, the push to trade the Maryland mountains for a Florida fairway highlights a striking break from decades of executive tradition.
