During his four-day visit to the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump secured a landmark defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, valued at $142 billion. This deal, which is the largest of its kind, includes advanced weapons, missile systems, and border security technology from American defense firms. The agreement underscores Trump’s “America First” approach, focusing on strengthening economic ties and military cooperation between the two nations.
President Trump’s Gulf visit was marked by the signing of a monumental defense agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The deal, worth $142 billion, is the largest defense package ever between the two countries, according to the White House. The agreement will involve several leading American defense contractors and cover a range of advanced military systems, including aircraft, missile defense systems, and border security technology. The defense package aims to boost Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities while securing long-term business for U.S. defense firms. This deal comes at a time of heightened security concerns in the region, especially with tensions involving Iran and the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria.
In addition to the defense deal, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to invest $600 billion in the U.S. economy. These investments are expected to target sectors such as artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, and aviation. While the announcement was welcomed by U.S. officials, some experts noted that the commitment may involve pre-existing projects or vague plans. However, it marked a significant step in deepening economic ties between the two nations. The investment pledge aligns with Trump’s broader goal of bringing more foreign investments to the U.S. as part of his “America First” economic policy. The economic cooperation is expected to benefit both nations, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
One of the most notable aspects of Trump’s visit was his announcement to meet with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Sharaa, a former rebel commander, replaced Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The meeting is set to be the first in-person discussion between a U.S. president and a Syrian leader in more than 20 years. Trump revealed his intention to lift sanctions on Syria, a move he said was the result of productive talks with Saudi and Turkish leaders. In exchange for sanctions relief, Sharaa reportedly offered access to oil, infrastructure contracts, and even a proposal for a Trump Tower in Damascus. An aide to Sharaa shared a design for the proposed tower, which is said to have been tailored to appeal directly to President Trump’s interests. The concept will be presented during their meeting in Riyadh. This development has sparked debate about the ethical implications of such diplomatic engagements.
Trump’s relationship with wealthy Gulf nations, especially Qatar, has raised ethical questions. One of the most controversial offers came from Qatar, which proposed a luxury Boeing 747-8 valued at $400 million. The aircraft could temporarily serve as Air Force One before being repurposed for Trump’s presidential library. Democrats and ethics watchdogs quickly condemned the offer, calling it an extravagant gift and demanding a congressional investigation. Trump dismissed these criticisms, calling the deal transparent and mocking the calls for ethics reviews. This offer comes amid Trump’s plans to build a golf resort in Qatar, marking his first international business venture since returning to office. The Qatar deal has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over the influence of foreign money on U.S. politics and the potential conflicts of interest surrounding Trump’s personal business dealings.
Notably, Trump opted to skip Israel during his Middle East tour. The decision came amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli forces are engaged in military operations against Hamas. Tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also influenced Trump’s decision. Just before Trump’s arrival, Hamas released the last American hostage held in Gaza, an apparent attempt to gain favor from the U.S. president in the ongoing conflict. However, Netanyahu remained firm, declaring that the Israeli military operation would continue until Hamas is eliminated. He emphasized that any ceasefire would only be temporary. Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia and his upcoming trips to the UAE and Qatar are focused on strengthening economic ties and reshaping regional alliances. His efforts aim to rebuild U.S. influence in the Middle East through direct political and economic engagement, rather than relying on traditional diplomatic channels.
As Trump continues his Middle East tour, his agenda remains focused on deal-making, securing investments, and reshaping regional dynamics. The defense deal with Saudi Arabia and the potential lifting of sanctions on Syria reflect his approach to diplomacy, which prioritizes economic interests and direct negotiations over traditional alliances. The coming weeks will likely reveal more about the long-term impact of Trump’s policies in the region. With ongoing tensions in Gaza, Syria, and beyond, his actions could have significant consequences for the future of U.S.-Middle East relations.