President Donald Trump wants to turn part of his own Florida golf course into a new presidential retreat modeled after Camp David, an unusual proposal that would further blur the line between the presidency and Trump's sprawling private business empire.
The plan calls for a portion of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach to become an official presidential retreat where future commanders-in-chief could vacation, conduct diplomacy and host foreign leaders, the Washington Post reports.
Under the proposal, the federal government would receive land for the presidential compound, while the remainder of the property would continue operating as a private Trump golf club.
Trump would personally cover the cost of constructing the presidential residence and related facilities, according to Harvey Oyer, an attorney representing the club. The facility would be developed in coordination with the General Services Administration and Secret Service.
"This is a gift that the president would like to share with his successors, the people of America, and his fellow Palm Beach County residents," Oyer wrote in a letter to county officials obtained by The Post.
Future presidents would reportedly receive complimentary memberships to Trump's club and could use the new compound to host foreign leaders and international summits, according to the plan.
An unnamed White House official defended the location to The Post, pointing to its proximity to the airport, lack of nearby high-rise buildings and homes, security advantages and access to law enforcement.
"The property is minutes away from the Donald J. Trump International Airport, does not have buildings looming, does not have houses along the course, has great security features, is close to law enforcement, and happens to be a highly-rated golf course. These are features that are necessary for any presidential retreat," the official said.
Oyer suggested the project could eventually become an internationally recognized symbol of the American presidency.
"Just as Camp David, Windsor Castle, or the Élysée Palace are known worldwide, so too will the Presidential Golf Course in Palm Beach County," he reportedly wrote.
However, the proposal has some hurdles.
Palm Beach County owns the land underneath the golf course, meaning local officials would have to play a role in making Trump's vision a reality.
County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo told The Post that officials are taking the proposal seriously and communicating with the federal government as they examine a potential parcel.
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