Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump begins his first significant international trip of his second term, focusing on securing lucrative business agreements during visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. As his administration grapples with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the president aims to reinforce economic ties in the region while promoting peace.
Trump’s journey marks a continuation of his efforts to foster relationships in the Middle East, a region he pledged to stabilize during his reelection campaign. An anticipated announcement from Saudi Arabia promises an investment of $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, while the UAE is expected to unveil plans for $1.4 trillion in investments over a decade. Analysts suggest Gulf leaders are eager to impress the president, potentially focusing on the number of deals they can announce during his visit.
This trip closely mirrors Trump’s inaugural foreign visit in 2017, which was marked by a grand welcome and significant financial commitments from Saudi Arabia. Experts believe the Gulf states recognize Trump’s desire for substantial business deals while also seeking to navigate delicate political issues, including requests for assistance with the Gaza crisis.
According to Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, these nations understand the necessity of providing Trump with a favorable perception of his endeavors in the region. This symbiotic relationship allows Gulf leaders to deflect potential criticisms regarding their inaction on contentious matters.
The White House has indicated that the visit aims to underscore enhanced partnerships in the Middle East. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Trump’s vision for a prosperous region built on collaborative relations and a focus on defeating extremism through commerce and cultural cooperation. However, experts voice concerns that the geopolitical landscape has shifted since 2017, complicating the administration’s outreach efforts.
As Trump seeks bold outcomes for his second term, including an end to hostilities in Gaza, curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and encouraging Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel, challenges abound. Dennis Ross, a veteran diplomat in Middle Eastern affairs, signals that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state may hinder its willingness to engage deeply with the Abraham Accords at this juncture.
Discussions surrounding these topics are likely to remain behind closed doors, further placing focus on the significance of business negotiations for the president. Ross notes that Trump is keen to emphasize any successes from the trip, especially given the limited accomplishments he can showcase at this stage.
During Trump’s previous visit to Saudi Arabia, nearly $110 billion in arms deals were announced, with expectations that total investments could reach approximately $350 billion. However, subsequent arms sales involve intricate negotiations across various U.S. government agencies, and the complexities of this process underscore that announced figures are often less simplistic than they appear.
As Trump embarks on this diplomatic endeavor, the blending of business and politics remains pivotal, shaping the narrative of his administration’s foreign policy objectives and aspirations for engagement in the Middle East.