• Trump’s Middle East trip raises concerns over conflicts of interest due to his expanding business empire in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
• The Trump Organization is developing several luxury properties in the region, including hotels, golf resorts, and residential projects.
• Critics argue that Trump’s business dealings in the Middle East present corruption risks, while the White House defends his ethical standards.

President Donald Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a three-country trip. The trip is important for diplomatic reasons. Saudi Arabia recently hosted U.S.-Russia talks. Qatar has played a significant role in mediating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The UAE signed the Abraham Accords, and it remains a key ally of the U.S. in the region. The trip underscores the growing importance of these countries in global politics. But Trump’s visit is also attracting attention because of his business interests in these countries.

Trump Organization’s Expansion in the Middle East

While President is on his diplomatic mission, the Trump Organization is expanding its presence in the Middle East. The company is developing luxury properties in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. TheTrump Organization already has a Trump International Golf Club in Dubai. There are six more projects in development across the region. These include new hotels, golf resorts, and residential developments. Eric Trump, who is the executive vice president of the Organization, visited the region in late April. During his visit, he signed new deals, including the company’s first project in Qatar.

Major Projects Announced in Dubai and Qatar

On April 29, the Trump Organization announced a major new project in Dubai. The UAE will host the first and only Trump International Hotel & Tower in the Middle East. Dubai, known for its booming business hubs, is a perfect location for this luxury development. On April 30, another announcement came from the Trump Organization. The company revealed plans for a golf resort in Qatar. This development will feature branded beachside villas and an 18-hole golf course, situated north of the capital, Doha. Eric was seen inspecting a large model of the golf course during his visit.

Projects Underway in Saudi Arabia

Trump’s business interests are also expanding in Saudi Arabia. In December 2024, weeks after his reelection, the Trump Organization announced two high-profile projects in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. These include a Trump Tower and a golf community. These developments align with the president’s visit to Riyadh, the first stop on his trip. Additionally, his property is planned for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The project will feature a Trump Tower overlooking the Red Sea. The Trump Organization is also planning a project in Abu Dhabi. Eric Trump mentioned that this project could be launched within the next year.

Conflicts of Interest and Concerns

When Trump became president in 2017, he kept ownership of the Trump Organization but handed control to his sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr. This decision broke with tradition, as past presidents sold their businesses or put them in blind trusts. As a result, Trump has faced criticism for potentially mixing his political duties with his business interests. Watchdog groups are concerned about the possibility of corruption. They argue that foreign leaders may influence Trump’s actions to benefit his business empire. These concerns have gained attention as Trump visits countries where his company has several ongoing projects.

Risks of Corruption and Business Ties

Meghan Faulkner, the communications director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW), expressed concerns over his trip. She highlighted the risk of corruption, especially given the involvement of foreign governments in his business projects. CREW recently released a report focusing on the golf resort project in Qatar. One of the companies involved in the project is reportedly owned by the Qatari government. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Critics have pointed out that the situation is even more concerning than similar controversies surrounding Hunter Biden. They argue that hisbusiness dealings in the Middle East present more serious risks of corruption.

White House Defends Trump’s Actions

The White House responded to these allegations. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the idea that President Trump is profiting from his role. She was asked whether Trump’s sons or son-in-law, Jared Kushner, would accompany him on the trip. Kushner, after leaving the White House, started a private equity firm. Reports suggest that Kushner received a \$2 billion investment from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Leavitt, however, did not confirm whether any family members would join the trip.

Leavitt strongly defended Trump’s motives for serving as president. She pointed out that he left behind a successful real estate empire to serve the public. She emphasized that Trump lost money while in office. Leavitt argued that the public re-elected Trump because they trust him to act in the nation’s best interests. She also questioned why there was no similar scrutiny over President Joe Biden’s business ties.

Ethical Standards and Public Perception

Leavitt argued that the Trump administration holds itself to the highest ethical standards. She claimed that no one has asked similar questions about President Biden’s business dealings. Leavitt suggested that the public trusted him to make decisions in the country’s best interests, not his own. She also criticized the press for not holding Biden to the same standards as they did Trump. This defense comes as questions continue to swirl about the line between Trump’s business and political activities.