Trump seeks to designate Palm Beach golf club as presidential retreat

U.S. President Donald Trump is moving to designate his private golf club in Palm Beach, Florida, as an official presidential retreat, according to a report published by the Washington Post on October 7. The property, known as Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, sits immediately adjacent to the president’s private Mar-a-Lago estate and could soon serve as a permanent venue for hosting foreign leaders and conducting official state business.

Palm Beach County Proposal Details

Harvey Oyer, an attorney representing the golf club, submitted a formal proposal to Palm Beach County officials asking them to designate a portion of the property as an official retreat for current and future American presidents and foreign dignitaries. Under the terms outlined in the proposal, the county would transfer a portion of the golf course land to the federal government, while Trump would personally cover the costs of constructing the necessary presidential accommodations and facilities. The plan also includes free club memberships for all future U.S. presidents.

It will be a wonderful idea and used a lot in the future, Trump told reporters on October 7, adding that the initiative originated with the military and the Secret Service rather than himself. It’s not for me, because the construction won’t finish before my term ends. It’s for all future presidents. Oyer told the Washington Post that the location could eventually carry the global recognition of Windsor Castle or the Élysée Palace.

Mar-A-Lago Offers Security Advantages over Traditional Federal Facilities

The property offers distinct logistical advantages compared to traditional federal facilities. Trump pointed out that the club benefits from a lack of surrounding high-rise buildings, which enhances physical security, and sits just two minutes away from a local airport. While the executive branch currently maintains Camp David—a heavily secured military-run retreat in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland roughly 100 kilometers northwest of Washington, D.C.—Trump has consistently favored spending extended periods at Mar-a-Lago, frequently referred to as the winter White House.

Palm Beach County Reviews Proposal with General Services Administration

Palm Beach County officials confirmed they are reviewing the proposal seriously and have requested additional information from the representatives. The county is currently in contact with the General Services Administration, which manages federal property, to evaluate potential site selections that align with the proposal’s requirements. Meanwhile, Florida is also set to host international diplomacy later in the year, with another Trump-owned property, Trump National Doral Miami, scheduled to host the G20 summit in December.