Trump defends Miami resort as leading contender for next G-7: ‘The airport is right next door’

President Trump on Monday defended considering his Doral golf resort in Miami, Fla., as a leading contender for the site of the next Group of Seven (G-7) summit, calling it a “natural” location because of its proximity to an airport.

“Doral happens to be within Miami. It’s a city, it’s a wonderful place. It’s a very, very successful area of Florida. It’s very importantly only five minutes from the airport – the airport is right next door. It’s a big international airport, one of the biggest in the world,” Trump told reporters at a press conference concluding the two-day G-7 summit in Biarritz, France.

Trump insisted he was not trying to boost his own brand if he chooses his resort to host the summit.

Trump has not said firmly that the Trump National Doral Miami is the choice for the 2020 G-7, but on Monday strongly suggested that it was, telling reporters, “My people wanted it.” 

“My people looked at 12 sites — all good — but some were two hours from an airport, some were four hours,” Trump said. “Some didn’t allow this, some didn’t allow that. With Doral, we have a series of magnificent buildings, we call them bungalows, they each hold 50 to 70 — very luxurious rooms with magnificent rooms. We have incredible conference rooms, incredible restaurants.”

“It’s like such a natural — We even wouldn’t have to do the work they’ve done here, and they’ve done such a beautiful job,” Trump continued.

Trump made the remarks after telling reporters earlier Monday that he would likely choose Miami to host next year’s summit in the United States and that his Doral resort was a strong contender.

Trump was asked by a reporter at the press conference to offer assurances that he was not trying to “profit off the presidency” if he chooses his Doral golf resort.

Trump insisted that he wasn’t, claiming serving as president has cost him between $3 billion and $5 billion “in a combination of loss and opportunity.” Trump insisted he doesn’t care about money or boosting his brand, and said choosing the Doral resort for the location would not generate him any profits.

“My people wanted it. From my standpoint, I’m not going to make any money, in my opinion,” Trump said. “I don’t want to make money. I don’t care about making money.” 

Trump teased a presentation on the choice for the 2020 G-7 location “shorty.”

“It’s not about me, it’s about getting the right location,” Trump said.