A legal team representing Donald Trump’s Palm Beach golf course has formally requested that Palm Beach County officials designate a portion of the property as a permanent presidential retreat, modeled after Camp David, according to documents reviewed by news outlets.
The proposal, submitted to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, seeks to convert a parcel of Trump International Golf Club into an official sanctuary for future U.S. presidents and foreign leaders. The plan includes construction of a presidential residence and facilities, with the Trump Organization offering to cover all costs, as outlined in a letter from Harvey Oyer, the golf club’s legal counsel.
Key Details of the Proposal
The request was made in a letter to county officials last month, requesting that the county provide a piece of land currently owned by the county to the federal government. Oyer argued that the designation would elevate Palm Beach County’s global profile, comparing the potential retreat to landmarks like Windsor Castle or the Élysée Palace.
According to the proposal, the facilities would include amenities described by a White House official as those of a "world-class property." The location is noted for its proximity to Donald J. Trump International Airport, lack of obstructing buildings, and strong security features. The retreat would serve as a venue for international summits and lodging for presidents during Florida vacations.
Future Presidents and Membership Incentives
The plan also proposes that future presidents be offered comped memberships to the Trump club, though no official name has been selected for the proposed retreat. A spokesperson for the Trump Organization declined to comment on the proposal.
Next Steps and County Response
The proposal is under review by Palm Beach County officials, who have not yet publicly commented on the request. The county owns the land on which the golf course operates, and any federal designation would require formal approval from local authorities.
Background on Presidential Retreats
Camp David, the current presidential retreat located in Maryland, has been used by every U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt for diplomatic meetings and private retreats. The designation of a new presidential retreat would mark a significant shift in how future administrations utilize such facilities outside Washington, D.C.
If approved, the Palm Beach retreat would join a small number of official presidential residences and retreats globally, designed to host high-level diplomatic engagements and provide secure accommodations for the nation’s leader.