Trump to host 2026 G20 summit at his Florida Doral resort, reviving conflict of interest debate

Trump has also leaned on presidential powers in controversial ways, including a pardon for a Florida health care executive tied to a major donor.

US President Donald Trump on Friday confirmed that the Group of 20 summit in December 2026 will be held at his Trump National Doral golf club near Miami. The announcement revives a storm that first erupted in 2019, when Trump floated the idea of hosting a G7 meeting at the same venue before dropping it under bipartisan fire.

This time, however, the Republican pushback that once embarrassed him is nowhere to be seen. Trump brushed aside concerns, saying, "Everybody wants it there. It’s right next to the airport. It’s the best location. It’s beautiful."

Why critics call it a conflict of interest

Hosting the world’s top leaders at his own property would normally violate federal conflict-of-interest rules. But as president, Trump is exempt. Last year, the Supreme Court also ruled that presidents enjoy broad, though not absolute, criminal immunity for official acts.

The White House insisted the event would be charged 'at cost' and not turn a profit for Trump’s business. That was the same defense offered in 2019, when the proposal collapsed under criticism.

Timing adds more scrutiny

December is peak tourist season in Florida, when hotel rates surge. Trump acknowledged that scheduling the summit then posed a financial and logistical challenge for the resort, saying, "You can’t get a room in Florida in December, January, etc. That’s the time we’re talking about."

Monetisng the presidency

The decision adds to growing unease over how aggressively Trump has blurred the line between office and business since his return to the White House.

In recent months, the Trump family has:

Collected $320 million in fees from a new cryptocurrency project.

Brokered overseas real estate deals worth billions.

Launched an exclusive Washington club, the Executive Branch, with a $500,000 membership fee.

Accepted a luxury jet from Qatar valued at $200 million, more than the combined value of all foreign gifts ever given to past U.S. presidents.

Trump has also leaned on presidential powers in controversial ways, including a pardon for a Florida health care executive tied to a major donor.

(With inputs from New York Times)