President Donald Trump is set to embark on a significant four-day trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates starting Monday. This mission is expected to heavily emphasize business deals and attract new investments from the oil-rich region, marking it as Trump's first major international travel of his second term. The trip highlights not only Trump's priorities but also his intention to shift focus away from traditional U.S. allies that typically welcome new presidents. It reflects his affinity for the wealth and pageantry of the Middle East, where host countries are prepared to elaborate celebrations for him.
The visit comes at a time when there are pressing regional security issues, including the situation in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear aspirations, and Trump's ongoing efforts to broker a deal aimed at normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The ongoing Gaza conflict has created a turbulent environment, rendering Iran and its proxies weaker than they have been in recent memory, which could lead to shifts in regional power dynamics.
Despite these significant security issues, White House aides have indicated that they will not take center stage during Trump’s 3½ days on the ground. This decision showcases the president’s restrained vision for the role of the United States in global affairs, with a tight focus on business deals and investments that could resonate with his domestic base.
Interestingly, Trump has chosen not to visit Israel during this trip, a decision perceived as a snub to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In contrast to previous administrations, which typically engaged with Israel early in their terms, Trump’s approach diverges significantly. Israeli leaders had anticipated utilizing this moment to collaborate with the U.S. on military action against Iran’s nuclear program; however, Trump appears to favor a diplomatic solution similar to the 2015 agreement abandoned during his first term.
Experts like Steven A. Cook from the Council on Foreign Relations have noted that the Trump administration seems uninterested in reshaping the Middle East landscape. Instead, it appears willing to engage in agreements with Iran, thereby potentially prolonging the regime's existence. This trip mirrors Trump’s first term, where he initially visited Saudi Arabia in 2017 before proceeding to Israel and Europe. The focus on business during this Middle Eastern journey highlights a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
Following in the footsteps of his son, Eric Trump, who recently visited Qatar and the UAE to oversee family business ventures, this trip is steeped in economic ties. Eric Trump’s recent ventures included real estate and bitcoin investments associated with government-linked investors, blending Trump family business interests with U.S. foreign policy. The White House has stated that Trump no longer manages the Trump Organization and is making financial sacrifices as president.
As stated by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump aims to reinforce his vision for a prosperous Middle East characterized by cooperative relationships between the United States and Middle Eastern nations. The trip is also set to feature a Saudi-U.S. business conference in Riyadh, with prominent business leaders, including Larry Fink of BlackRock and Jane Fraser of Citigroup, expected to attend.
While the primary focus will be on business, regional leaders will likely raise urgent topics such as the situation in Gaza. Many Arab leaders believe that Trump has effectively granted Netanyahu unchecked power in his military actions against Gaza. Additionally, discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the potential for concessions in exchange for investment are anticipated.
As Trump prepares for this Middle Eastern tour, the Trump Organization is also eyeing expansion in the region. Recently announced projects include a luxurious hotel and tower in Dubai, as well as a golf course in Doha. Despite the ethical implications of such ventures, the organization maintains that it operates independently of government entities.
In summary, President Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East highlights a pronounced shift towards economic considerations in U.S. foreign policy. With an emphasis on business and investment, the trip signals an evolving dynamic in international relations, particularly in the context of longstanding security issues in the region.
