Just the Facts: Trump’s Middle East Trip

The Fulcrum strives to approach news stories with an open mind and skepticism, striving to present our readers with a broad spectrum of viewpoints through diligent research and critical thinking. As best we can, we remove personal bias from our reporting and seek a variety of perspectives in both our news gathering and selection of opinion pieces. However, before our readers can analyze varying viewpoints, they must have the facts.

Are pro-Israel supporters of Donald Trump concerned about his recent trip to the Middle East?

The perspectives of Israel supporters of President Trump and the various deals he recently negotiated with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other Arab nations vary considerably depending on who you talk to. Some may view these agreements as strategic economic moves that strengthen U.S. influence in the Middle East, while others may be concerned about potential security risks, particularly regarding sensitive AI chip technology, plus the long-term impact on Israel.

Reports indicate that Trump's administration has facilitated deals for U.S. companies to sell advanced AI chips to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, raising concerns among policymakers about the possibility of these technologies falling into the hands of adversaries like China. Additionally, Trump's growing diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia appear to be creating tensions with Israeli leadership, as he has prioritized relationships with Gulf nations over direct engagement with Israel.

What deals has Trump specifically negotiated on his recent trip to the Middle East?

During his recent trip to the Middle East, Trump negotiated several high-profile deals focused on defense, aviation, and artificial intelligence. Here are some of the key agreements:

• Saudi Arabia: A $142 billion arms package, touted as the largest defense sale in history.
• United Arab Emirates: A $1.4 billion weapons sale and a partnership to build the largest AI data center outside the U.S. in Abu Dhabi.
• Qatar: A $243.5 billion investment agreement, with plans to expand it to $1.2 trillion. Qatar Airways also announced a record-breaking purchase of up to 210 Boeing jets.

Has Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu or anyone else in the Israeli government commented yet on any of the deals Trump made on his trip or on anything else about the trip?

Several Israeli officials have reacted to Trump's Middle East trip, particularly his decision to bypass Israel and engage with Arab leaders on key regional issues.

• Prime Minister Netanyahu has remained largely silent on Trump's deals.
• Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that bringing back hostages is not the most important goal, emphasizing that eliminating Hamas should be Israel’s priority.
• Israeli officials have expressed concern over Trump's potential nuclear deal with Iran, fearing it could undermine Israel’s security.
• Netanyahu’s government is also worried about Trump's direct negotiations with Hamas, which blindsided Israeli officials.

Trump's lifting of sanctions on Syria has also sparked criticism in Israel, as the move was strongly supported by Saudi Arabia but opposed by Netanyahu.

What are the possible political and social shifts that could come as a result of President Trump's visit to the Middle East?

Political Shifts

• U.S.-Israel Relations: Trump’s decision to bypass Israel and engage directly with Arab nations has raised concerns in Netanyahu’s government. His talks with Iran and Hamas have blindsided Israeli officials.
• Saudi Arabia’s Influence: With $600 billion in U.S.-Saudi deals, including a massive AI and defense partnership, Saudi Arabia is cementing its role as a regional powerhouse.
• Syria’s Reintegration: Trump’s lifting of sanctions on Syria and meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa mark a dramatic shift in U.S. policy, potentially reintegrating Syria into the Arab world.

Social Shifts

• Arab-Israeli Relations: Trump’s push for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia is complicated by the ongoing Gaza conflict and Saudi demands for Palestinian statehood.
• Iran’s Role: Trump’s cautious optimism about nuclear talks with Iran suggests a potential thaw in U.S.-Iran relations, which could reshape alliances.
• Public Sentiment: Arab nations welcome Trump’s economic diplomacy, while Israelis remain wary of his regional realignment.

Have any members of Congress who support Israel raised concerns about the trip?

Several Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about Trump's Middle East trip, particularly regarding his negotiations with Iran, his bypassing of Israel, and his acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar.

• Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) warned that the Qatari jet gift poses significant espionage and surveillance risks.
• Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he was not comfortable with Trump using the jet as his mobile command center, citing national security concerns.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stated that there would be “plenty of scrutiny” over the Qatari airplane deal if finalized.
• Republican senators are also privately voicing concerns about Trump’s business dealings in Qatar and the UAE, including a $5.5 billion luxury resort project and a $2 billion crypto transaction.
• Some GOP lawmakers have questioned whether Trump has done enough to include Israel in his negotiations with Iran and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Are there any reports that President Trump has made any business deals that personally benefit him or his family?

Reports indicate that Trump's Middle East trip included business deals that could personally benefit him and his family. Here are some specifics:

• Luxury Real Estate in Qatar: Trump's son, Eric Trump, signed a $5.5 billion deal to build a beachside ultra-luxury community and golf course in Qatar.
• Cryptocurrency Investments: The United Arab Emirates invested in World Liberty Financial, a crypto company in which the Trump family holds a major stake.
• Qatari Jet Controversy: Trump accepted a $400 million luxury Boeing 747 from the Qatari royal family, which will serve as Air Force One during his presidency and later be transferred to his presidential library.
• Trump Organization Expansion: Since Trump’s second term began, his sons have initiated several foreign deals, despite previous commitments to avoid new international business ventures.

These deals have raised concerns among ethics experts, who argue that they could violate the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized the trip, calling it “more like a personal business venture” than a diplomatic mission.

David Nevins is co-publisher of the Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.