Trump Plans to Host G-20 Summit at Doral Golf Resort

Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to hold the G-20 summit at his Doral golf resort in Miami next year, a move that has sparked controversy. Previously, in 2019, Trump attempted to host the G-7 summit at Doral, but faced backlash when officials and leaders balked at the idea of paying to stay at his property. Ultimately, that summit was moved elsewhere and canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite past criticism, Trump remains committed to the plan, claiming the location’s proximity to the airport makes it ideal. He stated that “everybody wants it there because of the location,” and that G-20 officials had requested the event be held at Doral. Trump emphasized that the decision was not motivated by profit, asserting, “There’s no money in it. I just want it to go well.”

Hosting such a large international event at Doral will involve significant logistical costs, including shutting down the resort and accommodating world leaders and their entourages over several days. Doral, built in the 1960s and once a hub for PGA tournaments, had fallen into disrepair before Trump purchased it in 2012 with a $125 million loan. Since then, he has invested heavily in renovations, refinancing with various lenders, including Axos Bank.

While revenue at Doral declined significantly in 2019, recent disclosures suggest the property may have improved financially, although its profitability remains uncertain. The idea of hosting the G-7 at Doral in 2019 was widely criticized, with many European leaders and lawmakers opposing the plan due to perceived conflicts of interest. Senator Mike Simpson of Idaho initially opposed but later supported holding the G-20 at Trump’s resort.