Former President Donald Trump has officially embarked on a four-day tour in the Gulf, marking his initial foreign excursion since assuming office for a second term. His agenda is centered around securing business deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, aiming for agreements worth over $1 trillion.
**Trump Begins Ambitious Gulf Tour, Eyeing $1 Trillion in Deals**
**Trump Begins Ambitious Gulf Tour, Eyeing $1 Trillion in Deals**
President set to sign massive agreements during his first overseas trip of his second term.
May 13, 2025, 5:35 a.m. ET — President Trump landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday morning, embarking on a four-day tour that includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump initiated discussions focused on securing business agreements anticipated to exceed $1 trillion.
Stepping off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport, Trump was greeted with opulence as the Crown Prince welcomed him on a purple carpet. In a setting marked by lavish interiors, the two leaders engaged in discussions accompanied by high-profile U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Historically, Trump's relationship with Saudi Arabia contrasts sharply with that of President Biden, who faced a lackluster reception during his visit in 2022. During his trip, Trump is expected to emphasize investments in artificial intelligence and arms transactions with U.S. manufacturers, reflecting the economic prowess wielded by the Gulf nations through their significant global asset management.
Later today, Trump will deliver a keynote speech at an investment forum, pivotal in attracting American business leaders including representatives from major firms like IBM, Nvidia, and Citigroup.
In conjunction with Trump's ambitious agenda, familial interests intertwine as his administration is set to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 from Qatar’s royal family, positioning it as one of the largest foreign donations ever made to the U.S. government.
Meanwhile, in Washington, tensions grew as House Republicans proposed stringent cuts to the federal food stamp program, affecting millions of low-income families. The proposed changes reflect broader GOP strategies amid ongoing fiscal discussions linked to Trump's tax reform proposals.
As Trump navigates delicate diplomatic waters in the Gulf, his tour showcases both his desire for substantial financial agreements and the intertwining of personal and political interests that shape his administration's landscape.
Stepping off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport, Trump was greeted with opulence as the Crown Prince welcomed him on a purple carpet. In a setting marked by lavish interiors, the two leaders engaged in discussions accompanied by high-profile U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Historically, Trump's relationship with Saudi Arabia contrasts sharply with that of President Biden, who faced a lackluster reception during his visit in 2022. During his trip, Trump is expected to emphasize investments in artificial intelligence and arms transactions with U.S. manufacturers, reflecting the economic prowess wielded by the Gulf nations through their significant global asset management.
Later today, Trump will deliver a keynote speech at an investment forum, pivotal in attracting American business leaders including representatives from major firms like IBM, Nvidia, and Citigroup.
In conjunction with Trump's ambitious agenda, familial interests intertwine as his administration is set to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 from Qatar’s royal family, positioning it as one of the largest foreign donations ever made to the U.S. government.
Meanwhile, in Washington, tensions grew as House Republicans proposed stringent cuts to the federal food stamp program, affecting millions of low-income families. The proposed changes reflect broader GOP strategies amid ongoing fiscal discussions linked to Trump's tax reform proposals.
As Trump navigates delicate diplomatic waters in the Gulf, his tour showcases both his desire for substantial financial agreements and the intertwining of personal and political interests that shape his administration's landscape.
