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President Trump began a three-day Middle East tour focused on strengthening economic ties with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The trip featured a Saudi economic summit with executives from major U.S. companies and Silicon Valley leaders.
Mr. Trump signed bilateral deals amounting to $600 billion in Saudi investments, including $142 billion in defense sales. Additional economic commitments between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia included $80 billion in technology investments from companies like Google and Oracle, $20 billion in AI data centers, and $14 billion in GE gas turbines. Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman suggested these commitments could eventually reach $1 trillion.
Mr. Trump emphasized business relationships, stating that “it is God’s job to sit in judgment, my job to defend America, and to promote the fundamental interests of stability, prosperity and peace.”
Critics, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, described the trip as “a meeting of global oligarchs” benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the working class. Ethical concerns arose when Qatar announced a gift of a $400 million Boeing 747 to Trump, which would serve as Air Force One during his term before being transferred to his presidential library. This gift drew criticism from both Democrats and conservatives, with some arguing it violates constitutional restrictions on accepting foreign gifts.
The investment push comes amid economic challenges following Mr. Trump’s tariff plans, which initially disrupted global trade. However, recent trade deals with China and the U.K. have helped markets recover some losses. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been diversifying their economies beyond oil through investments in technology and AI, with the UAE already committing to invest $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade.
The Trump administration recently rescinded Biden-era restrictions on exporting advanced computer chips to Gulf states, facilitating further technological collaboration. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia seeks U.S. investment in its ambitious Vision 2030 program, which includes massive construction projects, despite declining foreign direct investment and pressure from falling oil prices.
Read more: Trump shifts U.S. foreign policy in Gulf region to focus on investment, business deals
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The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.