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President Trump embarked on a four-day Middle East tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on securing major economic deals.
In Saudi Arabia, Trump announced a $600 billion investment commitment, including a $142 billion arms deal, and lifted sanctions on Syria to support its new leadership. Qatar pledged a $1.2 trillion economic exchange, including a $200 billion order for 210 Boeing jets, and offered a luxury jet for use as Air Force One. The UAE committed to a $1.4 trillion investment over 10 years, targeting AI, semiconductors, and energy sectors.
Trump’s supporters, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, praised his deal-making as a boost for U.S.-Gulf economic ties. U.S. business leaders like Elon Musk, who attended the Saudi investment forum, lauded the trip for creating millions of jobs.
Critics, such as Senator Rand Paul, questioned the Qatari jet offer, citing potential conflicts of interest. Mamoun Fandy of the London Global Strategy Institute criticized the intertwining of Trump family business interests, including Trump Organization projects in all three countries, with state affairs. Analysts like Karen Young from the Middle East Institute argued that the investment figures were inflated and lacked short-term feasibility.
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