Trump proposes turning his own Florida golf club into a permanent 'presidential retreat' at no cost to taxpayers

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

President Trump is backing a plan to designate his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach as a permanent US presidential retreat, with his club footing the construction bill for a lodging facility as a "gift" to future presidents. Harvey Oyer, the club's lawyer, has written to Palm Beach County commissioners asking them to transfer land to the federal government for the project. Trump told reporters the idea came from the military and Secret Service, not himself, saying 'this wouldn't be for me — this would be for all future presidents.' The proposal compares the site to Camp David, Windsor Castle and the Élysée Palace.

The club would build an 'appropriate presidential lodging facility' at its own expense, with the White House confirming the plan could host 'important meetings' at a 'world-class property.'

Critics will note the same golf course was the site of a 2024 assassination attempt on Trump, when an armed man was found hiding in trees on the perimeter.

Trump said the site's lack of surrounding high-rises and residential buildings gives it a security edge, adding: 'It's a great idea, and it'll be used a lot.'