Washington — President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. Secret Service and military proposed turning Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach into a presidential retreat. He described the potential site as “sort of a Camp David retreat” that could be used by future presidents.
“This was suggested to me by the military and Secret Service,” Trump said during an unrelated Oval Office event. He pointed to the course’s open surroundings, lack of nearby homes and security advantages, adding, “Seems that all presidents play golf.”
A White House official said Wednesday that the “United States government has asked to look into developing a presidential retreat” at the golf course. The facility could allow future presidents to “hold important meetings and utilize the amenities of a world-class property,” the official said.
Trump International Golf Course is where Trump plays when he is staying at his Mar-a-Lago resort. The Palm Beach Post first reported that an attorney for the club had written Palm Beach County commissioners offering to designate the property as a presidential retreat, with possible use by foreign heads of state.
The White House official said the proposed retreat would be minutes from Donald J. Trump International Airport and feature unobstructed surroundings, no homes along the course, strong security measures, nearby law enforcement and a highly rated golf course. “These are features that are necessary for any presidential retreat,” the official said.
The White House statement did not identify who initially proposed the retreat or clarify whose approval the administration is seeking.
Officials have not disclosed the estimated cost of the proposed development or who would be responsible for paying for it.
In December, Trump is hosting the G20 summit of world leaders at another property, Trump National Doral Miami.
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During Trump’s presidency, the Secret Service has paid the Trump Organization hundreds of thousands of dollars to stay at his properties.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS /AFP via Getty Images
