Trump proposes Camp David-style presidential retreat at his private Florida golf club

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he wants to develop one of his Florida golf courses into a presidential retreat where his successors can spend quiet weekends on the greens, describing it as "sort of a Camp David " that he says would already have many of the security features needed to host presidents and world leaders.

The proposal for the retreat on Trump's private golf course in West Palm Beach would comingle the presidency with Trump's business ventures beyond his time in office, and is the the latest example of Trump seeking ways to leave his imprint on the presidency.

Proposal Mechanics and Financial Structure

Under the terms outlined by the golf course's attorney, Harvey Oyer, in a letter to local officials, the club would finance the construction of new presidential lodging out of private funds. The facility would then collaborate with the United States Secret Service and other federal agencies to provide free access to the federal government.

Property Aspect	Camp David (Maryland)	Trump International Golf Club (Florida)
Ownership	Federal government (Naval Support Facility, Thurmont)	Trump Organization (leased land from Palm Beach County)
Environment	Rustic woodland compound in Catoctin Mountain Park	27-hole commercial golf course with a lively social scene and clubhouse
Access	Tightly controlled military installation; restricted airspace	Connected to West Palm Beach roadways with separate entrance planned

Oyer characterized the initiative as a philanthropic gesture directed toward the American public and local residents. "This is a gift that the President would like to share with his successors, the people of America, and his fellow Palm Beach County residents," Oyer wrote, noting that Trump would leave office before the completion of the project.

The Trump Organization owns the golf club but leases the land from the county, which would need to approve any changes. Financial disclosures from Trump's first year back in office indicate that the private club earned nearly $37 million.

Security Arguments and Historical Contrasts

Trump defended the selection of the West Palm Beach property by pointing to its tactical advantages. He noted that the site sits close to an airport and maintains sufficient distance from residential homes and tall buildings, eliminating vantage points where people might lurk behind windows. "They can get maximum safety," Trump told reporters, attributing the initial suggestion to the United States Secret Service.

He did not mention that the golf course was the site of an unsuccessful attempt on his life in 2024. Trump was playing at the Trump International Golf Club during a break from the campaign trail when a Secret Service agent spotted an armed man in the trees lining the club's perimeter fence. The man was arrested after a chase and later convicted of trying to kill Trump, and was sentenced to life in prison.

The Florida proposal contrasts sharply with the traditional Camp David, a rustic Great Depression-era federal camp set deep within Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County, Maryland. Operated officially as Naval Support Facility, Thurmont, Camp David is heavily guarded by uniformed Marines, features strict prohibitions against unauthorized photography, and serves as a secluded sanctuary for national security summits.

By contrast, the West Palm Beach venue functions as a commercial enterprise featuring a luxurious clubhouse, fine dining, and a gift store. When asked if the venue would be named "Camp Donald," Trump dismissed the moniker, stating, "Well, it's already called Trump International. It's one of the best golf courses in the world."

Local Reception and Legacy Context

Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo said in a statement that local officials are eager to explore what this "historic opportunity" could mean to the community. "This likely would further cement Palm Beach County's place on the national and international stage for generations to come," Abruzzo said.

Trump's proposal follows other projects by the lifelong real estate developer to build a White House ballroom, gild the Oval Office, erect a triumphal arch, renovate the Kennedy Center, refurbish the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and rebuild a golf course in East Potomac Park. He has also begun planning a future presidential library in a Miami skyscraper.

Legal and ethical watchdogs have noted that the arrangement would comingle the presidency with Trump's private business ventures beyond his time in office. Supporters, however, point to historical precedents of leaders donating property for public use, such as Dwight Eisenhower gifting his Gettysburg Farm to the National Park Service and Franklin D. Roosevelt deeding a portion of his Hyde Park estate.

Next Steps

Because the land underlying the Trump International Golf Club is leased from Palm Beach County, the local county commission must formally review and approve any alterations to the site. Further evaluations by the Secret Service and other federal agencies regarding security logistics and access protocols will also take place before any transition toward a designated presidential course can advance.