In brief
The four-day Gulf tour includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, emphasizing business negotiations and strategic alliances.
May 13, 2025, 12:35 p.m. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - President Trump has officially commenced a significant four-day tour in the Gulf region, landing in Riyadh this Tuesday morning. Meeting with the kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, their discussions are centered on promising business accords nearing a total of $1 trillion. The president stepped off Air Force One to an elaborate welcome, complete with a lavender carpet at King Khalid International Airport. Trump's trip marks the beginning of a pivotal overseas voyage for his second term, showcasing the unique relationship he maintains with Saudi Arabia. In stark contrast to President Biden's 2022 visit, which was met with a lukewarm reception from the crown prince, Trump is likely to experience a warm welcome, indicative of the kingdom’s regard for the former president. Throughout his Gulf itinerary, Trump is keen on finalizing lucrative contracts involving advanced technologies and military assets. He has reportedly expressed his ambition to ink agreements covering artificial intelligence ventures, energy projects, and substantial arms sales with American defense manufacturers. In addition to his bilateral engagements, Trump is slated to address an investment forum, joined by notable American business leaders, including executives from major corporations such as IBM and Citigroup. Critically, this trip comes at an advantageous time for Trump’s family, as they stand to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 from Qatar, potentially marking a record foreign donation to the U.S. government.As discussions unfold in Riyadh, back in the United States, House Republicans are moving forward with a contentious proposal targeting the federal food stamp program. Should the measures pass, they threaten to further restrict aid to millions of low-income families as part of efforts to finance Trump’s tax initiatives.The president is also navigating other domestic controversies while abroad, such as dealing with the aftermath of a recent auction, in which some cryptocurrency investors outmaneuvered the terms to secure a controversial invitation to dine with him. As Trump makes headlines both abroad and at home, his Gulf tour is poised to significantly impact international relations and economic strategies in the region.
