Lawyers for Donald Trump's West Palm Beach golf club are pursuing a plan to turn part of the course into a "permanent" presidential retreat modeled on Camp David, one that would outlast his time in office, according to The Washington Post.
The proposal calls for a parcel of the private club to become an "official sanctuary for foreign leaders and future U.S. presidents," designed to host international summits and house presidents on Florida vacations, according to the Post. Future presidents would also be "offered comped memberships" to the club.
"Just as Camp David, Windsor Castle, or the Elysee Palace are known worldwide, so too will the Presidential Golf Course in Palm Beach County," attorney Harvey Oyer wrote in a letter last month to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, according to the report. Oyer asked the county, which owns the land the course sits on, to give a piece of it to the federal government. He promised Trump would pay to build a presidential residence and facilities there. Oyer told the Post "no name has been chosen yet."
"It would further cement Palm Beach County as one of the most recognizable brands and destinations in the world," Oyer insisted.
A White House official who spoke anonymously said the site has what a presidential retreat needs. "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 club would "keep operating under the Trump family company" and, the Post noted, would likely see more business if it becomes a site of lasting presidential importance. Trump International Golf Club earned him $36.9 million in his first year back in office, according to his financial disclosures, Reuters reported.
County Administrator Joe Abruzzo said the county is in contact with the General Services Administration (GSA) and will select a parcel. "My understanding is that President Trump views this as a lasting contribution to the presidency and to those who will hold the office after him," Abruzzo said.
