U.S. President Donald Trump began his four-day tour of the Gulf with a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, marking the largest defense agreement in U.S. history. The deal includes military aircraft, missile systems, surveillance technology, and border security support. This milestone is seen as a deepening of the defense relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with over a dozen American defense contractors involved.
In addition to the defense agreement, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged investments totaling $600 billion in the U.S. economy. These investments include $20 billion for artificial intelligence centers, $14.2 billion in energy infrastructure, and about $5 billion for Boeing aircraft. While these investments are significant, critics have pointed out that some of the figures were already in progress before Trump’s administration and there was no clear breakdown of how the funds would be allocated.
Trump’s approach to diplomacy in the region has emphasized transactional relations, focusing on securing business deals and economic incentives. His visit to Saudi Arabia highlights this shift, with the administration prioritizing trade and investment over traditional diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, Trump is also preparing to meet Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The meeting, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, marks the first time in over two decades that a U.S. president will meet a Syrian head of state. Sharaa, who led the opposition movement that ousted Bashar al-Assad in 2024, is expected to offer Trump access to Syria’s oil fields and lucrative rebuilding contracts. In return, Trump is considering rolling back U.S. sanctions on Syria. Additionally, sources suggest that Sharaa may offer Trump the chance to build a Trump Tower in Damascus as part of a broader diplomatic effort.
Trump’s business-first approach has raised ethical concerns, especially regarding foreign gifts. One of the most controversial gifts came from Qatar, which offered Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8. This $400 million jet could temporarily serve as Air Force One and later be donated to Trump’s presidential library. The offer has prompted calls for investigations, as critics argue it may violate laws on foreign gifts to U.S. officials. Trump has defended the deal, insisting it complies with legal and transparency standards.
Trump’s private business dealings are also under scrutiny. Just weeks before his trip, his company signed a deal to develop a high-end golf resort in Qatar, marking his first foreign business venture since resuming office. Critics argue that these ventures create potential conflicts of interest, especially given the ongoing diplomatic engagement with Middle Eastern nations.
Trump’s decision to skip Israel during his visit marks a shift in U.S.-Israel relations. His relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become strained, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision to bypass Israel comes amid growing tensions between the two leaders and a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward a more business-oriented approach in the Middle East.
Trump’s next stops on his Gulf tour include the UAE and Qatar, where he will continue to focus on securing major investment deals and rebuilding U.S. leverage in the region. This approach aims to strengthen America’s economic and diplomatic ties with key Middle Eastern powers through direct business engagement.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts during Trump’s tour signal a shift in how the U.S. engages with the Middle East. By focusing on economic deals and investments, Trump is working to restore U.S. influence in the region while also advancing his administration’s priorities of trade and economic growth.
