From NBC News · Garrett Haake · · 2m
Trump seeks to make his golf club a presidential retreat
President Trump wants his West Palm Beach golf course designated as a permanent presidential retreat for all future presidents.
In brief
President Trump wants his West Palm Beach golf course designated as a permanent presidential retreat for all future presidents. Trump's attorney proposed making his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach a permanent presidential retreat, which Trump said was suggested by the military and Secret Service…
Trump proposes golf club retreat
President Donald Trump wants to add a presidential retreat to his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, with the golf course becoming the permanent United States Presidential Golf Course.
Attorney files formal proposal
An attorney for the Trump International Golf Club, Harvey Oyer, proposed the designation and construction of a retreat on Trump's dime in a letter to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners.
Comparing to world landmarks
Oyer wrote that just as Camp David, Windsor Palace and the Elysee Palace are known worldwide, so too will the Presidential Golf Course in Palm Beach County.
“Just as Camp David, Windsor Palace or the Elysee Palace are known worldwide, so too will the Presidential Golf Course in Palm Beach County.”
Trump credits military and Secret Service
Trump told reporters the proposal had not been his idea but that he was on board. He said it was suggested by the military and Secret Service and that he agreed when asked if he would be willing.
“This was suggested to me by the military and Secret Service.”
Trump says it's for all presidents
Trump said the retreat would not be for him but for all future presidents and that the golf course is one of the best in the world and would be used a lot.
“This wouldn't be for me. This would be for all future presidents.”
County must transfer land
Oyer's letter asks Palm Beach County, which owns the property the course is on, to give some of the land to the federal government. The club would pay to construct an appropriate presidential lodging facility.
White House outlines benefits
A White House official said the retreat could be used for presidents to hold important meetings and utilize amenities of a world-class property. The location is minutes from Donald J. Trump International Airport with great security features.
Facility for all presidents
Oyer's letter said the facility could be used by all past, current and future U.S. presidents regardless of party affiliation and all visiting heads of state, regardless of party affiliation.
Trump rejects 'Camp Donald' name
When a Fox News reporter asked whether the retreat would be called Camp Donald, Trump replied that it is already called Trump International, leaving the naming question unresolved.
“It's already called Trump International.”
The key point
Trump's attorney proposed making his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach a permanent presidential retreat, which Trump said was suggested by the military and Secret Service.
