Trump secures $2 trillion in economic agreements during Middle East visit

In May 2025, Donald Trump undertook a significant diplomatic trip to the Middle East, marking his first major overseas visit during his second term as president. The trip included meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where he aimed to strengthen economic ties and secure investment agreements. The White House reported that these negotiations culminated in commitments exceeding $2 trillion in investments aimed at bolstering the U.S. economy and enhancing partnerships in the region. The visit saw substantial commitments from Saudi Arabia, which pledged $600 billion over four years. Additionally, Qatar agreed to various deals including a $1.2 trillion economic exchange and a plan to modernize its military capabilities by purchasing drone aircraft. At the same time, the UAE announced commitments that could lead to hundreds of billions in new commercial agreements. Trump's administration underscored the importance of these economic partnerships to reduce dependency on foreign oil and energize the U.S. economic landscape once again. During his speeches, Trump emphasized a new doctrine of U.S. engagement focused on energy and commerce, aiming to transform American foreign policy in the region. He articulated a vision of cooperation among Gulf states, encouraging them to set aside differences for mutual economic benefit and to pursue peace, particularly in relation to Iran's nuclear program. Moreover, he highlighted the need to take a firm stance against Iran, suggesting that if negotiations for a nuclear deal fail, the U.S. would impose significant sanctions. Despite the positive developments, questions arose about the implementation and longevity of these agreements. Experts expressed concerns over whether the Trump administration could effectively follow through on its ambitious commitments and navigate the complex dynamics within the region, especially given Trump's past approaches to foreign diplomacy. The outcomes of these engagements could influence U.S. standing in the Middle East, as well as the geopolitical landscape as a whole.