On the first stop of his Gulf tour, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. According to the White House, this is the biggest defense deal in history. It includes weapons, aircraft, and defense systems from over 12 U.S. companies.
Trump praised the deal, saying it will bring jobs and money back home. In addition, it shows a strong alliance between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement includes fighter jets, tanks, missile systems, and radar. As a result, U.S. defense companies are expected to profit for years to come.
Saudi Arabia Promises Big Investments
Alongside the arms deal, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to invest $600 billion in the U.S. economy. He said $20 billion will go into AI infrastructure, $14.2 billion into energy equipment, and almost $5 billion to buy Boeing planes.
However, some experts noted that these figures lack detail. Some parts of the deal may come from old agreements. Still, the news highlights growing U.S.-Saudi ties under Trump’s leadership.
Trump Plans to Ease Syria Sanctions
Meanwhile, the White House also confirmed Trump’s plan to meet Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This will be the first meeting between a U.S. president and a Syrian head of state since 2000.
Sharaa rose to power after leading the 2024 rebellion that ousted Bashar al-Assad. Now, the U.S. hopes to open new talks with Syria.
Because of positive talks with leaders in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Trump announced he would lift some sanctions on Syria. According to him, this move could help rebuild Syria’s economy and bring stability to the region.
Trump Tower in Damascus?
Interestingly, Sharaa’s government offered Trump several incentives. These include access to Syrian oil and future rebuilding contracts. More surprisingly, Sharaa even approved a plan to build a Trump Tower in Damascus.
Trump’s advisor said a model of the tower has already been created. Furthermore, Sharaa plans to present it during their meeting in Riyadh.
Supporters say the tower could symbolize a new U.S.-Syria friendship. On the other hand, critics see it as a business-first approach to foreign policy.
Ethics Concerns Grow Over Foreign Gifts
Soon after the announcement, critics raised concerns. One of the biggest issues was a $400 million luxury jet offered by Qatar. Trump may use the jet temporarily as Air Force One and later add it to his presidential library.
Democrats quickly called this the most expensive gift ever offered to a U.S. president. In response, they called for a full ethics review.
Trump dismissed the concerns. In fact, he said the deal was legal and public. Moreover, he mocked critics on social media, calling their claims political attacks.
Business Interests Fuel the Debate
Adding to the controversy, Trump’s company recently signed a deal to build a luxury golf resort in Qatar. This is his first overseas business project since returning to office.
As a result, many worry about a possible conflict between his business and his public role. Ethics groups are calling for more transparency.
Trump Avoids Israel Amid Gaza Tensions
Notably, Trump skipped Israel during this tour. The choice raised eyebrows, as U.S. presidents often visit Israel when touring the region.
Sources say the decision reflects Trump’s strained ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the same time, the Gaza war continues to cause tension.
Just before Trump’s visit, Hamas released the last American hostage. Observers believe this was meant to push Trump to call for a ceasefire.
Nevertheless, Netanyahu said the war with Hamas would not stop. He rejected a long-term ceasefire, agreeing only to short pauses.
Next Stops: UAE and Qatar
Trump’s tour will continue in the UAE and Qatar. There, he will focus on more trade deals and talks about Middle East peace.
So far, the trip has centered on big business deals and new policy goals. Trump aims to shift how the U.S. operates in the region.
By meeting new leaders like Sharaa and securing investment deals, Trump is putting his personal style on foreign policy.
Trump’s Gulf tour is bold and full of big moves. From arms deals to oil rights, it’s clear he wants to reshape America’s role in the Middle East.
Still, many questions remain. Can these deals bring peace? Will ethics concerns grow louder?
As Trump visits more countries, all eyes are on him. What happens next could shape U.S. policy for years to come.