The Trump family's business ties to the Middle East have seen a significant surge, more than tripling since Donald Trump's first term as president. A recent analysis by CNN reveals a series of lucrative deals, including numerous high-profile projects announced following his re-election. As Trump embarks on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, he does so not just as the President of the United States, but also as the head of a family whose business empire is flourishing in this region.
Trump's expanding financial ties with the Middle East have raised concerns among government ethicists. Critics argue that it is increasingly challenging to discern whether he is acting in the best interests of the United States or simply for personal gain. “When the American people elect a president, they expect that person to work for them, not for profit,” stated Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, a consumer rights advocacy group. Such financial links create opportunities for foreign powers to influence U.S. policy through lucrative business arrangements.
Despite these concerns, Trump appears to embrace the intersection of his personal and national interests. He has shown a willingness to promote business ventures while in office, doing so openly. Notably, he launched his own meme coin shortly before taking office, which saw a spike in value after he hosted a private dinner for top investors last month.
The various Trump projects in the Middle East primarily involve licensing agreements with foreign developers who partner with the Trump Organization, paying to use the Trump name. Unlike past presidents who divested their businesses or placed them in blind trusts, Trump has opted for a different strategy. His assets are managed by a trust overseen by his children, with his son Eric Trump asserting that the business will be kept separate from presidential duties to mitigate ethical conflicts.
While the Trump Organization pledged in January not to engage in new deals with foreign governments during Trump's second term, a newly announced Trump-branded golf course in Qatar involves a firm backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatari Diar. Eric Trump expressed pride in expanding the Trump brand into Qatar, alongside a separate real estate company, Dar Global.
President Trump has actively sought financial support from Gulf nations for the United States. His administration touted a commitment from the UAE to invest $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade, and Saudi Arabia announced plans to expand trade and investment with the U.S. by $600 billion within four years. In a March statement, Trump even called for Saudi Arabia to invest $1 trillion in the United States.
Despite these initiatives, critics argue that Trump's actions and business dealings during the early months of his second term demonstrate a willingness to capitalize on the presidency for personal financial gain. Some worry that foreign officials have a vested interest in supporting Trump to advance their own agendas.
Following the January 6, 2021, insurrection, Trump faced backlash from much of the American business community, leading to a sense of isolation. However, support from business leaders in the Middle East remained strong. For example, Hussain Sajwani, head of DAMAC Properties, expressed a desire to expand their relationship shortly after the Capitol riot. Additionally, Trump has partnered with LIV Golf, a new professional golf circuit funded by Saudi Arabia, which hosts tournaments at Trump properties.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund invested $2 billion in a private equity firm launched by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, highlighting the close ties formed during Trump's presidency. Despite Kushner's departure from official duties, reports indicate he continues to informally advise U.S. officials on negotiations with Arab leaders.
In Oman, the tourism arm has partnered with Trump on a plan to build a Trump-branded resort and golf club, signaling continued expansion in the region. Notably, the Saudi Arabian firm, Dar Global, has committed to advancing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious economic modernization plan, which includes numerous Trump-branded projects.
Dar Global's CEO, Ziad El Chaar, recently encouraged belief in the Trump brand, while Eric Trump hinted at more projects in the pipeline. This growing relationship with Gulf nations is complemented by a recent announcement regarding a plane from the Qatari royal family, which will be retrofitted for presidential use and later donated to Trump’s presidential library.
Trump's expansion into the cryptocurrency market is also noteworthy. His crypto firm, World Liberty Financial, received substantial investments from UAE-based companies. However, this has drawn scrutiny from Democratic senators, who have urged the Office of Government Ethics to investigate potential conflicts of interest that could compromise national security.
As Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, stated, “These Gulf nations are very actively trying to advance their standing in the world,” with Trump’s presence providing a significant boost in respectability. Yet, this relationship raises questions about whether decisions made are in the best interest of the American people or primarily beneficial for Trump’s business ventures.
American presidents traditionally visit allied nations during their first trips abroad, often focusing on Mexico, Canada, or the United Kingdom. However, Trump’s first official trip in his second term is once again to Saudi Arabia, where he has maintained a particularly close relationship, despite the kingdom facing serious human rights allegations.
As geopolitical complexities in the region continue to evolve, experts warn that Trump's personal business interests may jeopardize U.S. national interests. Ben Freeman, who leads a foreign policy program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, highlighted the potential risks posed by personal interests overshadowing national priorities.
In conclusion, while the Trump family's business ventures in the Middle East continue to expand, the implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security remain significant areas of concern. The intertwining of business and politics under Trump's administration raises critical questions about the integrity of decision-making processes at the highest levels of government.
