Trump Announces US to Host 2026 G20 Summit After Near Two-Decade Absence

Trump Announces US to Host G20 Summit in 2026 Washington D.C., September 6, 2025 - In a surprise move, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States will host the 2026 G20 summit, marking the first time the country will host the gathering in nearly two decades. Trump made the announcement from the Oval Office, stating, "As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary next year, the United States will have the honor of hosting...the G20 summit right here in America for the first time in nearly 20 years." The summit is set to take place at Trump's Doral golf resort in southern Florida, a location that has been criticized by some as a potential conflict of interest. During his first term, Trump had proposed hosting the 2020 G7 summit at the same location but later backed out after facing backlash from critics. "We want to make sure it's good," Trump said on Friday when asked about the decision to host the summit at Doral. "There's no money in it." However, some experts have questioned whether the choice of venue is driven by financial interests rather than a desire for a neutral location. The G20 summit brings together leaders from 20 major economies, including China, Germany, and India, among others. The gathering provides an opportunity for world leaders to discuss pressing global issues such as trade, climate change, and economic inequality. Trump's decision to host the summit at Doral has sparked concerns about the potential for a biased or self-serving agenda. "This is a classic case of crony capitalism," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of international relations at Georgetown University. "The choice of venue raises questions about the impartiality and integrity of the summit." In response to criticism, Trump's administration has maintained that Doral was chosen for its proximity to the airport and its amenities. However, some have pointed out that the location may also provide an opportunity for Trump to promote his business interests. As preparations for the 2026 G20 summit begin, world leaders are likely to be watching closely to see how the event unfolds. The gathering is expected to take place in June 2026, with a precise date yet to be announced. Background: The G20 summit has been held annually since 1999, rotating among member countries. Previous summits have taken place in locations such as Buenos Aires, Argentina; Osaka, Japan; and Hamburg, Germany. The choice of venue is typically determined by the host country's government in consultation with other member states. Additional Perspectives: In a statement, the White House said that Trump was "thrilled" to be hosting the G20 summit at Doral and looked forward to welcoming world leaders to the United States. However, some critics have questioned whether the decision is driven by politics rather than a genuine desire to host the event. As the 2026 G20 summit approaches, world leaders will be watching closely to see how the event unfolds. The gathering provides an opportunity for global leaders to come together and address pressing issues affecting the international community. Current Status: The US government has begun making preparations for the 2026 G20 summit, with officials working on logistics and security arrangements. World leaders are expected to begin arriving in June 2026, with the precise date yet to be announced. *Reporting by Dw.*