Trump Floats Turning His Florida Golf Course Into a Presidential Retreat
President Trump said he wants to convert one of his private Florida golf courses into a presidential retreat similar to Camp David. The proposal, submitted to local officials, would let future presidents use the West Palm Beach property for quiet weekends and meetings. The site was also the scene of a 2024 assassination attempt against Trump.
Trump said the idea came from the Secret Service and argued the West Palm Beach site suits presidential use because it sits near an airport and away from tall buildings and homes. The property is owned by the county and leased by Trump’s company, so local approval would be required; the club would fund a new lodging building and give federal officials free access through a separate entrance.
The course was also where authorities foiled a 2024 plot against Trump; the gunman was convicted and given life imprisonment. Trump has favored his own properties over Camp David, and his other proposed or ongoing projects include a White House ballroom, an arch, Kennedy Center renovations, and a Miami presidential library.
If approved, the retreat could reshape how future presidents use private and public spaces, affecting Palm Beach County residents, local officials, Secret Service operations, and taxpayers. It may blur lines between presidential duties and Trump’s business interests, prompting ethics and security debates. It could also bring prestige and economic attention to the area, while raising questions about public land use, costs, and whether such a gift sets a precedent for future officeholders.