Trump Embarks on Controversial Gulf Tour Promising $1 Trillion in Deals

Former President Trump has commenced a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, focusing on securing business deals that align with his personal interests, while facing ethical scrutiny over a proposed luxury aircraft gift from Qatar.

Former President Donald Trump kicked off a contentious Gulf tour yesterday, setting his sights on Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. This ambitious four-day visit is centered on striking deals worth over $1 trillion—an endeavor that raises questions about feasibility and ethics.

Trump, who has long viewed the presidency as a platform for global deal-making, is advocating for massive investments from Saudi Arabia into the U.S. economy. Economists, however, warn that such a figure is unrealistic, equating to Saudi Arabia's entire annual gross domestic product.

His personal business interests are notably intertwined with his diplomatic agenda; Trump is reportedly pursuing several deals with a predominantly Saudi-owned real estate firm, alongside partnerships involving cryptocurrency in the UAE and a luxury golf project in Qatar.

The Qatari royal family appears eager to win Trump’s favor, even offering a lavish Boeing 747-8 aircraft as a donation—to potentially serve as Air Force One. However, Trump dismissed concerns regarding the ethical implications of accepting such a gift, labeling anyone who would refuse it as “stupid.”

In other developments during the tour, Hamas released Edan Alexander, the final American hostage in Gaza, indicating a possible attempt to gain U.S. support in ongoing conflicts. Moreover, the Trump administration is evaluating the sale of numerous AI chips to an Emirati company under scrutiny for its Chinese connections. Lastly, Trump's family is promoting a unique cryptocurrency contest where the top buyers will get the chance to have dinner with him, stirring further controversy over potential influences on U.S. policy.