Trump Embarks on Four-Day Gulf Tour, Emphasizing Economic Partnerships
President Donald Trump has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting a crucial four-day tour of the Gulf region aimed at securing economic deals. This tour marks a shift from the typical focus on security tensions in the area, such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Accompanying Trump are notable figures including Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and several leading business executives including Larry Fink of BlackRock and Jane Fraser of Citigroup. Key officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Pete Hegseth are also part of the delegation.
The tour will kick off with a Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, followed by visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. During his stay, Trump is anticipated to propose an extensive arms package to Saudi Arabia, valued at over $100 billion, which may include advanced military hardware like C-130 transport aircraft, according to sources.
In a contentious development, Trump has addressed criticism regarding his acceptance of a $400 million plane from Qatar’s royal family intended to replace Air Force One, stating it would be “stupid” to decline such a gesture and affirming the transaction’s transparency.
As events unfold, Trump is expected to announce significant investment commitments from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, potentially reaching up to $1 trillion. The discussions may pave the way for transformative economic collaborations between the U.S. and Gulf states, moving beyond traditional energy-dependent ties.
In other news, Trump’s Middle East envoy has confirmed the president’s conversation with Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli hostage recently released after 19 months in Gaza. This human element adds an additional layer to Trump’s Middle East engagements during this significant tour.
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