Former President Donald Trump is currently on a diplomatic trip through the Middle East, where he has engaged with various leaders and marveled at the region’s architecture. His meetings, particularly with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Qatar, have highlighted both his strategic intentions and the controversies surrounding his visit, including the acceptance of a luxury jet gifted by Qatar.
Indeed, when he met the Emir in Riyadh, Trump complemented the Emir on the fine marble inlaid there. He remarked, “The job you’ve done is second to none. You look at this, it’s so beautiful. As a construction person, I’m seeing perfect marble. This is what they call perfecto.” These remarks were made while lauding the architectural feats of the state of Qatar.
Speculation suggests that his return trip to Turkey would involve cordial talks that could further exacerbate the conflict caused by the war in Ukraine. While on Air Force One, he suggested that he was still undecided on attending. The talks scheduled for Thursday were still hanging over him. He addressed the speculation surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attendance. For his part, President Trump said, “[Putin would] like me to be there, and that’s a possibility … I don’t know that he would be there if I’m not there.” We’re going to find out.
Trump’s direct engagement with Gulf leadership led him to meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh. He shook hands with the movement’s leader and praised his good works. Further, Trump characterized al-Sharaa as “a young attractive guy” with “a real shot at pulling it together.” He emphasized the importance of relationships in the region for Israel’s interests, saying, “This is good for Israel,” and added, “Having a relationship like I have with these countries … I think it’s very good for Israel.”
No matter the diplomatic accomplishments, there is one big reason that Trump’s trip has caused a whirlwind of controversy back home. His acceptance of a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar for presidential use has drawn criticism from political opponents and some allies within his own party. The announcement has already led to major protests, with one of the most creative being a banner flown by Democrats over Mar-a-Lago to register their opposition.
Critics say that this set-up creates a fundamental conflict of interest and ethical concern regarding foreign gifts to U.S. officials. Trump should vigorously defend the benefits of these relationships to U.S. interests in the broader region. Despite the backlash, he stands firm.
Since January, Trump’s administration has experienced dramatic turnover in its civil rights division. More than 250 attorneys have departed or are slated to depart, indicative of those seismic shifts. According to reports, cuts have gone as deep as 70% during his administration. This draconian cut, the largest in history, threatens the Department’s ability to enforce civil rights across the country.
Because Trump is very much still at work on his diplomatic jihad. His priorities are micromanaging regional relationships with Middle Eastern heads of state, while tactically managing the domestic outrage caused by his regional power plays.