In a move stirring both excitement and controversy, former US President Donald Trump has announced that the 2026 G20 Summit will be held at his Trump National Doral Golf Resort in Miami, Florida.
Standing in the Oval Office, the 79-year-old Trump proudly declared, “It’s going to be at Doral. Everybody wants it there — it’s beautiful, it’s right next to the airport, it’s got everything.”
The announcement brings a familiar déjà vu. Trump had previously proposed hosting the 2020 G7 summit at the same resort but backed out after fierce backlash over concerns of self-dealing and ethics violations. This time, however, he’s doubling down — and insists there’s no financial benefit for him or his businesses.
“We will not make any money on it,” Trump said firmly. “There’s no money in it. I just want the summit to go well. That’s what matters.”
Despite his claims, critics are already questioning the optics of a sitting president using a property he owns to host a global event. But Trump brushed off the criticism and focused instead on the logistics — and the weather.
He pointed out that December in Miami is high season and hotels are packed. “Each country will have its own building. I think it will be really a beautiful thing,” he added, emphasizing Doral’s space and facilities.
Trump has deep ties to Florida. Though born in New York, he’s called the Sunshine State home for years. His Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach has become a political and personal hub, and the Doral resort sits close to the heart of Miami.
Notably, Trump also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping would be welcome at the summit — not necessarily as official participants, but as observers. “I would love them to, if they want to,” he said. “I’m not sure if they’d want to come as observers.”
Both Russia and China are, in fact, G20 members — raising questions about why Trump referred to them as possible “observers.”
Meanwhile, Trump confirmed he would not be attending the upcoming 2025 G20 summit in South Africa, citing controversial and widely debunked claims about the treatment of white citizens in the country. Instead, he announced Vice President JD Vance would represent the US.
“I won’t be going. JD will be going,” Trump said. “Great vice president, and he looks forward to it.”
With less than 15 months before world leaders descend on Miami, the decision to use a Trump-branded venue once again ignites a familiar debate: where does public service end and private interest begin?
