President Donald Trump, in a decision that has reignited discussions on presidential ethics, announced that the 2026 G20 Summit will be hosted at his Doral resort in Miami, Florida. This move is reminiscent of Mr. Trump's earlier intent to host a G7 summit at the same venue which he ultimately abandoned amidst widespread criticism and concerns about potential conflicts of interest. According to CBS News, the administration has stated the resort will host the summit "at-cost, and will receive no profit from either the State Department or a foreign government."
"Everybody wants it there," Mr. Trump told reporters, but omitted to specify who, exactly, was included in "everybody." Mr. Trump also noted the convenience of the location, stating, "It’s right next to the airport. It’s the best location. It’s beautiful." Despite the claim that the Doral resort would not profit, ethics watchdogs are wary. They remember well the Supreme Court ruling last year that broadly but not fully defined criminal immunity for presidents' official acts while in office – an apparent green light for the president's current plan, as reported by The New York Times.
The Doral resort, acquired by Mr. Trump in 2012 for $150 million, boasts amenities such as golf courses and a spa. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez appeared in the Oval Office as the president made his announcement. This decision comes with an assertion of a "back-to-basics" approach for the upcoming U.S. host year of the summit, with a simplified guest list that aligns with the G20’s foundation goals of economic growth and financial stability.
Adding to discussions on the president's intertwining of personal business and diplomacy is the reminder of how, during his political tenure, Mr. Trump has consistently leveraged his platform to promote and profit from his brand. Mr. Trump once frequented his family's properties, indirectly earning revenue from the officials and security details that accompanied him. In recent months, the Trump family has notably generated significant gains from a range of endeavors, including a $320 million fee from a new cryptocurrency and the opening of an exclusive club in Washington, named the Executive Branch, which comes with a joining fee of half a million dollars. Critics argue that such ventures may well to appear to monetize the presidency, as noted by The New York Times.
