The Trump Family’s Expanding Business in the Middle East
The Trump family has significantly expanded its business ventures in the Middle East, with a notable increase since the president’s first term. According to a CNN analysis, the number of deals has more than tripled, highlighting a growing presence in the region. This expansion includes new projects such as luxury skyscrapers, golf courses, and cryptocurrency initiatives.
Donald Trump is currently traveling to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates not only as the U.S. president but also as the patriarch of a family whose business empire continues to grow in the Middle East. These financial ties have raised concerns among government ethicists about whether Trump is acting in the best interest of the United States or his personal finances.
Concerns Over Ethical Conflicts
Critics argue that these financial links create an opportunity for foreign powers to influence U.S. policy through lucrative business deals. Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, stated that when the American people elect a president, they expect that person to work for them, not for profit. Such concerns suggest that there may be an overlap between Trump’s personal interests and those of the nation.
Trump has embraced this overlap, seemingly comfortable boosting business ventures while in office. He launched his own meme coin days before taking office, which saw a spike in value after Trump offered a private dinner to its top investors last month. During a conference hosted by a group launched by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Trump promoted the U.S. as ripe for investment and highlighted his personal business achievements.
Business Ventures and Licensing Agreements
The Trump projects in the Middle East largely involve licensing agreements with foreign developers who have partnered with the Trump Organization and paid to use the Trump name. Past presidents have typically divested their businesses or put them in blind trusts to avoid appearances of self-dealing. However, Trump has taken a different approach, with his assets managed by his children.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, has stated that the business will be walled off from the office of the presidency to avoid any ethical conflicts. Despite this, a recently announced deal for a Trump-branded golf course in Qatar includes a firm backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatari Diar.
Financial Ties and Political Implications
The Trump Organization has pledged to make no new deals with foreign governments during the president’s second term. However, the Qatar deal highlights the complex nature of these relationships. Eric Trump expressed pride in expanding the Trump brand into Qatar through Qatari Diar and Dar Global. A Trump Organization spokesperson clarified that the company has no affiliation, partnership, or engagement with Qatari Diar or Qatar’s government, emphasizing that the agreement is with Dar Global.
Despite these assurances, critics remain concerned about the potential for foreign officials to influence U.S. policy through these business dealings. During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed questions about personal business meetings on the trip, stating that the White House holds itself to the highest ethical standards.
Rebuilding Trust and Business Relationships
After the January 6 insurrection, Trump became a pariah in much of the American business community. Hunkered down at Mar-a-Lago, he faced bans from social media and financial firms distancing themselves. However, some business leaders in the Middle East stood by Trump, offering new opportunities.
Hussain Sajwani, head of DAMAC Properties, welcomed the opportunity to expand their relationship with Trump shortly after the Capitol riot. This support led to new ventures, including partnerships with LIV Golf, a professional golf circuit backed by Saudi Arabia. The league hosts tournaments at Trump properties, showcasing the deepening ties between Trump and Gulf nations.
Economic Agreements and Regional Influence
Trump has sought financial boosts for the U.S. from Gulf nations, with his administration boasting about securing significant investments. The UAE committed to investing $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over a decade, while Saudi Arabia announced plans to expand trade and investment with the U.S. by $600 billion over four years. Trump has called for Saudi Arabia to spend $1 trillion in the U.S., further emphasizing the economic ties between the two nations.
However, critics argue that these actions demonstrate a willingness to personally cash in on the presidency, with fears that foreign officials may help him advance their own agendas. The close relationship between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has raised additional concerns, particularly given MBS’s involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Cryptocurrency and Investment Deals
Companies in the region have also boosted Trump’s crypto firm, World Liberty Financial. UAE-based DWF Labs announced the purchase of $25 million worth of the firm’s tokens, while MGX, an Emirati-backed investment firm, agreed to use a cryptocurrency launched by the firm for a $2 billion investment in crypto exchange Binance. These deals have prompted calls for investigations into potential foreign influence and quid pro quo arrangements.
Democratic Sens. Jeffrey Merkley and Elizabeth Warren urged the U.S. Office of Government Ethics to investigate the deal, citing concerns about national security. Noah Bookbinder of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington emphasized the need for the president to make decisions based on the interests of the American people rather than his businesses.
Geopolitical Risks and National Security
American presidents typically visit close allies during their first major trip abroad. However, Trump’s choice to travel to Saudi Arabia again highlights the complex geopolitical landscape. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have a long history of diplomacy centered around shared interests in oil. Trump’s relationship with Saudi Arabia was particularly close during his first term, despite allegations of human rights abuses.
Ben Freeman of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft noted the complicated nature of geopolitics in the region, where Gulf nations have diverse foreign policy positions. He warned that additional deals could create reputational risks for the U.S. and potentially undermine national security.
Conclusion
The Trump family’s expanding business in the Middle East reflects a complex interplay of personal interests, political influence, and economic partnerships. While the Trump Organization emphasizes its commitment to ethical standards, concerns about foreign influence and potential conflicts of interest persist. As Trump continues to navigate the delicate balance between personal gain and national interest, the implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security remain significant.
