When a world leader transforms a private leisure resort into the setting for a global summit, it’s bound to provoke scrutiny.
In an announcement made in early September 2025, President Donald Trump revealed that the 2026 Group of 20 summit will be hosted at his own Trump National Doral resort near Miami.
The decision not only closes the chapter on his absence from the 2025 G20 in South Africa but also resurrects echoes of past controversies over the conflict of interest of public office and private interest.
President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States will host the 2026 G20 summit at his Trump National Doral resort near Miami, marking a significant moment in G20 history, the first U.S.-based summit since 2009.
Speaking during a White House briefing on Friday, Trump said the Doral venue was the “best location” for convening global leaders, due to its proximity to Miami International Airport and the region’s typically winter-busy hospitality sector.
He emphasised that the local venue would charge only at cost, and insisted that neither he nor his family would profit from the summit.
Trump’s decision follows an aborted attempt during his first term to host the 2020 G7 summit at the same resort, a plan he abandoned amid mounting bipartisan criticism over potential constitutional violations of the emoluments clause.
This time, Trump extends the practical appeal of Doral, highlighting its expansive facilities, including multiple golf courses, spa, sizeable event spaces, and luxurious accommodations, while downplaying personal gain .
The resort, purchased by Trump in 2012 for $150 million (R2.73 billion), features lavish infrastructure such as the iconic Blue Monster golf course and a grand ballroom of over 2,230 m².
The U.S. administration further clarified that the event will be organised “at-cost” – a measure touted to neutralise concerns over potential financial benefit.
However, critics argue that taxpayer-funded events held at properties owned by the sitting president raise unavoidable ethical questions, especially when significant hospitality revenue is anticipated.
Trump also confirmed that he will not attend the upcoming 2025 G20 summit in South Africa, citing political differences; Vice-President J.D. Vance will represent the U.S. in his stead.
While specifics on the guest list for the 2026 summit are still pending, the inclusion of countries like Russia and China remains uncertain, particularly given international legal complexities such as the ICC’s arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin.
IOL News
