Make deals, not war. This phrase encapsulates the ambition Donald Trump had for his first overseas tour since his inauguration in January.

The United States president, who dreams that he is both a peacemaker and an investment magnet, boarded Air Force One on Monday, May 12, heading for the Middle East. He is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Amid a striking blend of economic promises, security issues and family interests, Trump will speak a language he knows well: that of transactions. Each of these countries has pledged to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the US – substantial figures, which will need to be verified as real over the years to come.

For now, one topic has captivated the attention of the American media: a $400 million (€360 million) jet, which Qatar was reportedly set to give Trump. Irritated by ethical questions over the extraordinary gift from Doha, Trump praised, on Monday, a "great gesture from Qatar." He added, "I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person saying, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane.'"

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