The Trump family’s business ties to the Middle East have more than tripled since President Donald Trump’s first term in office, a CNN tally of the deals has found. The expansion includes luxury skyscrapers, golf courses, and cryptocurrency deals in the region, raising concerns among government ethicists.
Concerns Over Conflicts of Interest
Critics argue that Trump’s financial links to the Middle East create an opportunity for foreign powers to sway United States policy through lucrative business deals. “When the American people elect a president, they expect that person to work for them, not for profit,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen.
Trump’s Business Approach
Trump has embraced the overlap of his personal interests and those of the nation, boosting business ventures while in office. He set the tone by launching his own meme coin days before taking office, which spiked in value after Trump offered a private dinner to its top investors. “I’ve always had an instinct for making money,” Trump said in February.
The Trump Organization’s Deals
The Trump projects in the Middle East largely involve licensing agreements with foreign developers that have partnered with the Trump Organization and paid to use the Trump name. A recently announced deal for a Trump-branded golf course in Qatar includes a firm backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatari Diar. Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, said his organization is “incredibly proud” to expand the Trump brand into Qatar.
Criticism and Risks
Critics say the actions of Trump and his business demonstrate a willingness to personally cash in on the presidency, and some fear foreign officials have helped him do so to advance their own agendas. “These Gulf nations are very actively trying to advance their standing in the world and having the president of the United States both do business in their country and come in an official capacity conveys very significant respectability,” said Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
A Delicate Region
The Middle East is a delicate region, where important decisions need to be made about military deployment, peace negotiations, and economic agreements. Bookbinder said, “You want the President making decisions based on what’s in the interest of the American people… not based on what’s going to be most helpful to his businesses.”
Potential Risks
Ben Freeman, director of a foreign policy program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, noted that additional deals in the region could create reputational risks for the US and even undermine national security. “There is seemingly this tit-for-tat where the Saudi regime, especially, makes investments in Trump… and Saudi Arabia is the first destination of his first state trip abroad,” said Freeman. “There’s a real risk that personal interests are trumping the national interest.”
Trump’s Trip to the Middle East
Trump’s first official presidential trip during his second term is to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The trip highlights the countries’ business ties and Trump’s efforts to shore up relations with key Middle Eastern allies. However, critics argue that the trip may be more focused on Trump’s personal interests than on serving the best interests of the United States.
The Gift of a Plane
Trump announced that his administration would accept a plane as a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE” from the Qatari royal family. However, a Qatari official said the plane is technically being gifted from the Qatari Ministry of Defense to the Pentagon, which would retrofit the plane for the president’s use with security features. The plane will be donated to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office.
Conclusion
The Trump family’s expanding business empire in the Middle East raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for foreign powers to sway United States policy. As Trump embarks on his Middle East trip, critics argue that his personal interests may be prioritized over the national interest. The trip may lead to new business deals and agreements, but it also poses risks to the US reputation and national security.