Former President Donald Trump has proposed designating his West Palm Beach golf club as a “permanent United States Presidential Golf Course” and constructing a presidential retreat on the property, potentially serving future presidents. The proposal, first outlined in a letter to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners by an attorney representing the Trump International Golf Club, would involve transferring some county-owned land to the federal government. Trump stated the idea originated with the Secret Service and military, describing it as a “great idea” that would be “used a lot” by future presidents, and not for his personal use. The proposed retreat would offer amenities and security features comparable to Camp David, being close to an airport and away from residential areas. Trump also noted that the course was the site of an attempted attack on him in 2024, but that the security features were already in place.
The proposal would require Palm Beach County to cede land to the federal government, with the Trump International Golf Club funding the construction of the lodging facility. A White House official stated the retreat could be used for important meetings and leverage the golf course’s amenities. Trump referenced other presidential landmarks, such as Camp David, Windsor Palace, and the Élysée Palace, suggesting the Palm Beach course could achieve similar recognition. He dismissed the idea of it being called “Camp Donald,” stating it is already known as Trump International. The plan follows a pattern of Trump seeking to leave his imprint on presidential structures and landmarks, including proposals for a White House ballroom and renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Our reading is that Trump continues to prioritize branding and legacy-building even outside of office, seeking to associate his name with established presidential traditions. The proposal appears to be a calculated effort to both secure a future benefit, a presidential retreat, and to reassert his influence on the physical symbols of the presidency. The inclusion of the 2024 attempted attack seems intended to preempt criticism by highlighting existing security measures, while also subtly reinforcing a narrative of personal threat.
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