US President Donald Trump is thinking of creating a presidential retreat similar to Camp David at his Florida golf club.
The club would foot construction costs as a “gift” to Americans, offering free memberships to future presidents and accommodations to visiting foreign dignitaries.
“It’s only about two minutes away from the airport … and they could spend the weekend there, like a retreat, like a sort of Camp David retreat,” Trump said on Wednesday in the Oval Office.
If it comes to fruition, Trump’s transformed golf estate would starkly contrast with the rustic, Great Depression‑era camp that now sits deep in Catoctin Mountain Park. It would also mark yet another twist in the tradition of presidential getaways.
Former presidents have held national‑security meetings and other events at Camp David, a site that was first taken over by President Franklin Roosevelt who called it “Shangri‑La.” The location remains a National Park facility, staffed by armed Navy and Marine Corps personnel, with restricted public access.
Trump’s suggestion follows his push to overhaul the White House, adding gold leaf accents to the Oval Office, tearing down the East Wing and building a new ballroom. The former president also wants a massive triumphal arch in Washington – part of an overall agenda to reshape presidential spaces.
Trump added that “Secret Service officials first suggested the idea” of using his club and that he sees it as “a great idea.” He stressed the site’s high security: “It’s about as safe as they could possibly get.”
A letter dated 3 September from the golf course’s attorney to the county commission said Trump offered to deem the club a “U.S. Presidential Golf Course,” providing free access to presidents and visiting heads of state. The club would pay for construction out of its own funds, and “no cost to the federal government.” Trump said the offer was not personal: “This would be for all future presidents.”
