Jerry Jackson U.S. President Donald Trump has begun his four-day visit to the Gulf, marking a historic milestone with a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. The White House has dubbed this agreement the largest defense sale in American history, spanning over a dozen U.S. companies. The deal covers a wide array of military products, including advanced weapons, aircraft, missile defense systems, and border security equipment.
This visit underscores Trump’s business-oriented diplomatic approach. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman committed $600 billion in future investments in the U.S., including $20 billion for artificial intelligence projects, $14.2 billion in energy-related purchases, and nearly $5 billion allocated for Boeing jets. While many of these figures sound promising, some of these projects have ties to previous U.S. administrations, raising questions about the true novelty of the deals.
First Direct Meeting with Syria’s President Since 2000
The U.S. President’s Gulf visit also includes a historic meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. A former rebel commander who played a pivotal role in removing Bashar al-Assad in 2024, Sharaa’s meeting with Trump will mark the first between a U.S. leader and a Syrian president since Bill Clinton’s 2000 meeting with Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father.
Trump hinted at easing sanctions on Syria, a move that follows his earlier meetings with Saudi and Turkish leaders. In exchange, Sharaa has offered promising reconstruction contracts, access to Syria’s oil reserves, and even approval for a Trump Tower development in Damascus.
Radwan Ziadeh, a key ally of Sharaa, shared a concept design for the tower, suggesting that the project is intended to appeal directly to Trump. The design will be presented during their meeting in Riyadh, signaling the growing economic and political ties between the U.S. and Syria under Sharaa’s leadership.
Scrutiny Over Foreign Influence and Lavish Gifts
Criticism surrounding Trump’s foreign policy has quickly mounted. One point of contention is Qatar’s offer to provide a $400 million luxury aircraft, potentially to temporarily replace Air Force One. Trump’s team has stated the jet would eventually be donated to his presidential library.
Opposition lawmakers voiced concerns that accepting such a gift from a foreign government could breach ethical guidelines. They have called for a formal investigation into the matter. However, Trump has dismissed these claims as politically motivated, emphasizing the transparency of the process.
Additionally, Trump’s private business dealings in the region have come under scrutiny. Last month, his company finalized an agreement to build a golf resort in Qatar, marking his first international business deal since returning to office. This has raised ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest and foreign influence on his presidency.
Gaza War Shapes Trump’s Regional Strategy
One notable absence from Trump’s itinerary is Israel. The former president decided against visiting Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza and tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Ahead of Trump’s arrival in the Middle East, Hamas made headlines by releasing the last American hostage held in Gaza. The timing of the release seemed strategically aimed at pressuring Trump to encourage Israel to cease its military operations in Gaza.
However, Netanyahu remained firm, declaring that Israel’s offensive would continue without interruption. He emphasized that any temporary halt in military operations would be brief, with the goal of completely defeating Hamas.
Trump’s Next Stops and Regional Strategy
Following his stop in Saudi Arabia, Trump will continue his tour through the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. His regional agenda centers on a unique form of investment-driven diplomacy, focusing on U.S. economic interests and reshaping alliances in the Middle East. The visit aims to strengthen economic ties, secure strategic investments, and deepen the U.S.’s influence in the Gulf region.
Trump’s approach to foreign policy in the region continues to emphasize direct negotiations and business partnerships, seeking to advance U.S. interests while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. As his tour progresses, further developments and announcements are expected, with key meetings slated to take place in the coming days.