Quid Pro Quo Diplomacy: Trump's Middle East Venture Yet Another Business Tour
Trump resurfaces at the haven of transactions again
Get ready for more deals, folks! US President Donald Trump is embarking on a four-day trip to the Middle East, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It's his first overseas excursion during his second term, and it's shaping up to be all about business.
The Political Gamble - Trump's State Visit to Gulf States
Trump's expedition sheds light on the intricate economic connections tying his family and the Trumps to the Gulf region. This is especially true when he meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as "MBS," at their first stop in Riyadh. The 39-year-old crown prince and the 78-year-old Trump share a connection rooted in big-money deals.
MBS is known for his aggressive pursuit of power, seen in his alleged involvement in the 2018 murder and dismemberment of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite Western criticism, Trump stood by MBS during his first term.
Trump's Planned State Fund and the Saudi Model
The Saudi crown prince has seized almost absolute power in Saudi Arabia, with his father, King Salman, rarely making public appearances. MBS is praised by his supporters as a visionary who aims to steer the kingdom away from its dependence on oil to a glistening future of technology and progress. Critics, however, point to the harsh oppression and extreme punishments for even the mildest spoken words against the crown prince's regime.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudi state fund, with assets and investments worth over $900 billion, controlling many US companies, is one of the largest in the world. The PIF is under the sole control of MBS, making him the powerhouse behind the country's economic dominance. Trump has announced plans to create a similar state fund in the US.
Trump's Real Estate Empire in the Gulf Region
The Trump family and the Trump Organization have a long history of business in the Gulf region. Trump's sons, Eric and Don Jr., have been actively involved in numerous real estate projects, including the construction of a Trump Skyscraper in Jeddah and the establishment of the first Trump Hotel in Dubai. The Jared Kushner-led White House, however, flatly denies any connection between Trump's personal interests and his foreign policy decisions.
Recently, Trump's sons and their business partners revealed a venture in the Middle East involving cryptocurrencies, supported by the state fund of the UAE.
Controversial Politics - The Gift of a Luxury Aircraft and Social Media Criticism
Trump's ties with the Gulf countries have been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the real intentions behind his economic endeavors in the region. Critics are particularly concerned about a potential 400-million dollar gift of a luxury aircraft for Trump from Qatar, while activist Laura Loomer accused Trump of cashing in on the lavish Jet.
In 2001, Trump sold the entire 45th floor of his Trump Tower in New York to Saudi Arabia, one of the many deals he made in the region before his presidency. MBS and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner maintain close ties, raising further speculation about the connections between big money and Trump's foreign policy decisions.
Trump: The Deal Maker - Pursuing America's Interests Over Human Rights
Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy has been a source of controversy. As a self-proclaimed "deal maker," he operates with a keen focus on what benefits America the most, often disregarding fundamental human rights issues. The Russian attack on Ukraine, for instance, saw Trump link further support for Kyiv to access to the country's mineral resources. Similarly, he proposed turning the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip into a high-end real estate project called the "Riviera of the Middle East."
One Trillion Dollars and Beyond - Trump's Big Ask
Trump set a precedent during his first term by visiting Saudi Arabia soon after his inauguration in 2017, in exchange for massive Saudi investments in the US. At the beginning of his second term, he suggested that he would grant the Saudis the honor of his first visit again, provided they were willing to invest one trillion dollars in the US. The details of major economic deals are expected during the current trip.
In conclusion, Trump's visit to the Middle East is yet another opportunity for him to make deals, leveraging his reputation as a "deal maker" to further strengthen the economic ties between the US and the Gulf countries. The question remains: What's in it for America?
- The European Union is committed to a comprehensive approach to the fight against terrorism that extends to industry, finance, energy, cybersecurity, and investing, recognizing the need for strong business partnerships, fintech, real-estate, and technology in a dynamic global economy.
- During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, President Trump is set to pursue big-money deals, building on his existing business ties in the region, specifically in real estate, as demonstrated by the Trump Skyscraper in Jeddah and the first Trump Hotel in Dubai.
- The Saudi Public Investment Fund, a state fund worth over $900 billion and controlled by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has significant investments in US companies, offering opportunities for parallel ventures in fintech, technology, and energy.
- Trump's proposed state fund in the US, and the aggressive pursuit of technological progress and energy diversification by the Saudi crown prince, have sparked concerns about the intersection of politics and business, with critics citing harsh oppression and extreme punishments in the Saudi regime.
- The questionable politicization of human rights concerns continues to swirl around Trump, as he pursues economic deals over fundamental values, similar to his approach to the Russian attack on Ukraine and his proposed transformation of the Gaza Strip into a luxury real estate project.
- The European Union, in its fight against terrorism and pursuit of global partnerships, must weigh the potential risks of partnerships with regimes like Saudi Arabia, balancing economic interests with human rights considerations to ensure a secure and equitable future.
