Trump wants a new Camp David-like retreat at his Florida golf club

October 8, 2026

President Trump is proposing to transform his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida into a presidential retreat comparable to Camp David. The golf club would reportedly cover all construction expenses and offer free memberships to future presidents and accommodations for foreign dignitaries at no cost to the federal government. Trump argues the location offers superior security and convenience, being just two minutes from the airport, contrasting with the remote, rustic Camp David facility in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump
Future US presidents
Visiting foreign dignitaries and heads of state
Secret Service officials
Trump International Golf Club (the organization/facility)
Palm Beach County, Florida (local government receiving proposals)
Federal taxpayers (who would not bear costs according to the proposal)
Members of the US Navy and Marine Corps (who currently staff Camp David)

What action is being taken

Trump is seeking to establish his Florida golf club as a presidential retreat
The golf club's attorney has sent a letter (dated September 3) to the Palm Beach County commission regarding the designation
Trump is hosting national security meetings and events at Camp David
Trump is pushing ahead with plans for a triumphal arch in Washington
Marines are guarding the Camp David perimeter

Why it matters

This proposal represents a significant departure from nearly a century of presidential tradition, potentially replacing or supplementing the historic Camp David retreat established during the Great Depression era. The plan raises questions about the appropriateness of using a Trump-branded commercial property for official presidential functions and could blur lines between public service and private business interests. The security implications are significant, as the proposed location is far more accessible and urban than the highly secure, remote Camp David facility. Additionally, this initiative fits into Trump's broader pattern of reshaping presidential traditions and infrastructure to cement his personal legacy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC