Messaging Guidance:

The President's Middle East Trip: Trump First, America Last

 

An American President’s first visit abroad is typically reserved for our closest democratic allies, like the United Kingdom, Canada, or our other NATO Allies. But Trump is again snubbing our traditional partners in favor of an opportunity to line his own pockets. This week, he will make his inaugural voyage to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates – three Middle Eastern monarchies at the center of the Trump's multi-billion dollar moneymaking operation – while his Republican allies in Congress work to carry out his plan to cut billions of dollars in services for the American people. 

Of course, there is no shortage of real issues that need to be addressed in the region – the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza, or ongoing negotiations with Iran. But there’s no indication that Trump is focused on any of these crises. Is Trump once again using the presidency to enrich himself, rather than doing what’s best for the American people? 

Topline Messaging:

  • It’s no secret that Donald Trump made a lot of money from foreign governments during his first term in the White House – despite his best efforts to hide it. 

  • But now, he’s giving up all pretense, blatantly using his office to enrich himself and his billionaire business partners – all while raising prices on working families and gutting government programs that the American people depend on. 

  • He’s even poised to accept the largest gift ever from a foreign government: a super luxury jumbo jet from the royal family of Qatar that will temporarily replace Air Force One and then be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation after his term ends.

  • Need more proof? Look no further than his upcoming trip to the Middle East. Since announcing the trip, Trump has rapidly stepped up his moneymaking efforts across the region. In the last few weeks alone, the Trump Organization has announced billions of dollars in new investments,

    • The launch of Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai – which is reportedly valued at $1 billion.

    • The construction of a new golf course and real estate deal closely tied to the Qatari government – which is reportedly valued at $5.5 billion.

    • A $2 billion investment by a venture capital firm backed by the government of Abu Dhabi using Donald Trump’s new stablecoin.

    • A $25 million purchase of digital tokens issued by the crypto venture controlled the Trump family. 

  • Of course, leveraging the White House for personal enrichment is hardly a new practice for Donald Trump and his family.

    • During his first term, Trump personally made as much as $160 million from international business dealings while he was serving as president.

    • A year after he left the White House, the Saudi royal fund gave Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner $2 billion.

    • And just six months before he returned to the Oval Office, the Trump Organization announced the development of Trump Tower Jeddah, a real estate project in Saudi Arabia reportedly valued at $533 million.

Published: May 2025