The Kaipher Editorial Team 
President Donald Trump announced on September 6, 2025, that he would welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the 2026 G20 summit at his Doral golf club near Miami, despite recent criticism of their strengthening alliance with China. This announcement comes just days after Trump expressed frustration that the United States had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China” following their leaders’ warm display at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Beijing.
Trump Extends Invitation Despite Diplomatic Tensions
During a Friday press briefing at the White House, Trump confirmed that the 2026 G20 summit would take place at his Trump National Doral resort on December 14-15, 2026. When asked about the possibility of Putin and Xi attending the gathering, Trump responded enthusiastically, according to CBS News: “I would love them to, if they want to.”
The invitation represents a significant diplomatic gesture, particularly given that Trump had just accused both leaders of “conspiring against the United States” in a Truth Social post earlier this week. Despite this, the president seemed to soften his stance, telling reporters he would welcome both leaders, though he suggested they might attend as “observers” rather than in their capacity as full G20 members.
According to The Telegraph, Trump acknowledged the complexity of the situation, initially calling the prospect of hosting Putin “an interesting question” before confirming his openness to the idea. The White House has stated that Trump Doral will host the summit “at-cost, and will receive no profit from either the State Department or a foreign government”.
Recent Criticism of China-Russia-India Alliance
Trump’s invitation comes in the context of escalating tensions following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, held from August 31 to September 1, 2025. The gathering featured a notable display of unity between Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with images showing the three leaders walking hand-in-hand.
Responding to these images on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” This post reflected Trump’s concern about the strengthening ties between the three nations, particularly after he had imposed punitive tariffs on India for its continued purchases of Russian oil.
The president’s frustration was further evident during China’s military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s WWII surrender, where Putin, Xi, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared together. Trump accused them of “conspiring against the United States of America” in a social media message directed at Xi.
G20 Summit Returns to Trump Property
The decision to host the 2026 G20 at Doral fulfills a plan Trump first proposed during his initial presidency. He had attempted to hold a G7 summit at the same venue in 2020 but abandoned the idea amid widespread criticism about potential conflicts of interest and constitutional violations related to foreign government payments.
According to The Economic Times, Trump defended the venue choice, emphasizing its proximity to Miami International Airport and calling it “the best location” with beautiful facilities. The president noted that “each country will have its own building” and insisted there would be no profit motive behind the decision.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett will serve as the point person for the summit, which aims to focus on “unleashing economic prosperity by limiting, eliminating the burdens of regulations, unlocking affordable energy and pioneering new technologies,” according to a White House statement reported by CBS News.
This will mark the first time the United States has hosted a G20 summit since Pittsburgh in 2009. Trump has already extended invitations to additional observers, including Poland’s newly elected president Karol Nawrocki, who was present during Friday’s announcement.
