US President Donald Trump is proposing to transform his Florida golf club into a presidential retreat similar to the historic Camp David, creating a new getaway for future American presidents and visiting foreign leaders.
Trump revealed the proposal on Wednesday, saying the retreat at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach could provide presidents with a secure location to spend weekends and host visiting dignitaries.
“It’s only about two minutes away from the airport,” Trump said, describing the proposed facility as “like a retreat, like a sort of Camp David retreat.”
According to a letter dated 3 September from an attorney representing the golf club to a Florida county commission, the club has offered to designate the property as a “U.S. Presidential Golf Course” for future presidents and visiting heads of state.
The proposal would reportedly allow presidents to use the club’s facilities at no cost to the federal government, while future presidents would receive free memberships.
The letter also states that the golf club would cover construction costs as a “gift” to Americans and local residents.
Trump stressed that the proposed retreat would not be exclusively for him.
“This wouldn’t be for me,” he told reporters at the Oval Office. “This would be for all future presidents.”
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A Very Different Presidential Retreat
If the plan moves forward, the Florida facility would be markedly different from Camp David, the traditional presidential retreat located in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountain Park.
Camp David was first adopted as a presidential retreat by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who called it “Shangri-La.” The secluded facility is surrounded by woodland and operates as a military installation known officially as Naval Support Facility Thurmont.
The heavily secured compound is largely hidden from public view, with US military personnel providing security and restrictions placed on access and photography.
Trump’s proposed retreat, by contrast, is located within a developed area of West Palm Beach and forms part of a luxury golf and social club.
The 27-hole Trump International Golf Club features a clubhouse, fine dining, a gift shop and facilities for members and social events. The property is also frequently visited by Trump’s political allies when he spends weekends in Florida.
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Trump Cites Security Advantages
Trump said security was one of the principal reasons the Florida golf club could serve as a presidential retreat.
He pointed to the absence of tall buildings and homes overlooking the property, saying this would reduce potential security risks.
“They can get maximum safety,” Trump said, describing the proposal as “a great idea” that he believes would be used extensively.
Trump also said Secret Service officials were the ones who initially suggested using the golf club as a presidential retreat.
The US Secret Service has been contacted for comment on the proposal.
Another Transformation Under Trump
The proposed presidential retreat comes as Trump pursues several major changes to prominent US government properties and public spaces.
His administration has overseen changes to the White House, including the addition of gold-leaf decorations in the Oval Office, while plans are also moving forward for a large ballroom following the demolition of the White House’s East Wing.
Trump has additionally backed plans for a massive triumphal arch in Washington, DC.
The Florida retreat proposal would therefore add another distinctive feature to Trump’s approach to presidential facilities.
When reporters asked whether he would call the proposed facility “Camp Donald,” Trump dismissed the suggestion.
“Well, it’s already called Trump International,” he said, adding that it is “one of the best golf courses in the world.”
For now, the proposal remains subject to the necessary approvals and further details about how construction, security and presidential use would be managed.
If completed, however, the Florida golf club could become a new destination for US presidents and visiting world leaders—potentially creating a presidential tradition markedly different from the secluded, military-run setting of Camp David.
