President Donald Trump is wrapping up his first major diplomatic trip of his second term with a final stop in the United Arab Emirates, following multibillion-dollar investment commitments from key Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The visit, centered around securing economic agreements, may be extended if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to participate in proposed Ukraine peace talks. Trump hinted at the possibility of heading to Turkey for this purpose but confirmed he would proceed to Abu Dhabi after concluding engagements in Qatar.
In Qatar, Trump celebrated what he called a record $200 billion aircraft deal with Boeing. Earlier, Saudi Arabia pledged a staggering $600 billion in investments, including one of the most significant arms purchases in U.S. history.
Trump’s Gulf tour has stirred political debate, especially after reports that Qatar offered him a luxury jet for official and private use—prompting allegations of corruption from his political opponents.
In Riyadh, Trump delivered a fiery speech that criticized Democrats and traditional Republicans alike, particularly those who had supported U.S. interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He praised the Gulf nations for achieving modern development independently, unlike failed Western efforts in Kabul and Baghdad.
Calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a visionary, Trump applauded the kingdom’s rapid economic transformation. He also granted the prince’s request by announcing the removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
Trump held a notable meeting in Riyadh with Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former insurgent once targeted by U.S. intelligence, now rebranded as a political figure. The session also included virtual participation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a long-time backer of Syrian rebels.
Trump stated he is open to traveling to Turkey if Putin agrees to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for direct negotiations. Regardless of Putin’s decision, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Istanbul to facilitate the potential peace talks.
