Trump revives plan to host G20 at his Miami Resort

September 06, 2025 (MLN): US President Donald Trump will host the 2026 G20 summit at his family's private golf resort in Miami, immediately resurrecting charges of ethical conflicts and self-dealing that shadowed his first presidency, as APP reported. 

The decision to use Trump National Doral for the high-stakes gathering of world leaders in December 2026 revisits a nearly identical, and ultimately abandoned, plan to host the G7 summit at the same property in 2020.

That earlier attempt was scrapped after intense bipartisan backlash from lawmakers and ethics watchdogs who condemned it as a blatant use of public office for private enrichment.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump, 79, defended the choice, citing the resort’s logistical advantages. "It's going to be at Doral," he confirmed. "Everybody wants it there because it's right next to the airport, it's the best location, it's beautiful."

Addressing the inevitable scrutiny over the financial implications, the president insisted the event would not be a for-profit venture. "We will not make any money on it," Trump stated. "We're doing a deal where it's not going to be money, there's no money in it. I just want it to go well."

The move will undoubtedly become a flashpoint for critics who have long argued that Trump has failed to adequately separate his business empire from his official duties.

In 2019, his administration's plan to host the G7 at Doral was denounced by Democrats as "among the most brazen examples yet of the president's corruption." He ultimately relented, blaming what he called "media and Democrat crazed and irrational hostility."

The Doral property, like many Trump-branded assets, is central to his family's business portfolio.

Hosting the G20 would grant the resort unparalleled global exposure and direct revenue from security, lodging, and logistical spending by the US government and foreign delegations.

Adding another layer of complexity to the 2026 summit, Trump extended a potential welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose nations are full members of the G20. His invitation, however, came with a confusing caveat.

"I would love them to, if they want to," Trump said, before adding they could attend as "observers, and I'm not sure if they'd want to come as observers."

The comment created ambiguity, as both Russia and China are integral members, not outside observers, of the economic forum.

The announcement also came as Trump confirmed he would not attend this year's G20 summit in South Africa, dispatching Vice President JD Vance in his place.

The decision follows the president's recent controversial remarks about the host nation, citing debunked claims of targeted persecution of citizens.

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