In a move that revives long-standing ethical debates, President Trump has declared that his National Doral resort in Miami will be the venue for the 2026 G20 summit. This high-profile event is a cornerstone of international diplomacy, gathering leaders from the world's most powerful economies to shape global policy.
The decision to host the summit at a property owned by the president himself has made the event instantly controversial. The core of the issue lies in the apparent conflict of interest, where the president's official duties are intertwined with his personal financial interests. This arrangement could lead to foreign delegations spending significant sums at the Trump Organization's property, raising questions about whether they are attempting to curry favor with the administration.
This is not uncharted territory for the president. During his first term, a similar proposal to host the G7 at Doral was met with withering bipartisan criticism, forcing him to abandon the plan. [8, 10] Critics argued then, as they do now, that such a move risks violating constitutional norms intended to prevent presidents from personally profiting from their office.
Proponents might argue the location is logistically sound, given its proximity to the airport and extensive facilities. However, opponents maintain that the symbolism is deeply problematic, blurring the lines between the presidency and private enterprise. The controversy highlights an ongoing tension regarding the ethical guardrails for a president with vast and active business holdings.