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Tzvi Gottlieb

Trump the Actor Is Playing the Gulf States

US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media accompanying him aboard Air Force One, after leaving Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, at the end of his Middle East tour on May 16, 2025. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

Since returning to office, Donald Trump’s business ties in the Middle East have grown extensively, with new projects in luxury real estate, golf courses, and especially cryptocurrency. The Trump family’s commercial empire has expanded rapidly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with each country playing a distinct role in this network.

The UAE has emerged as a major investor, reportedly putting $2 billion into Trump’s new cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial. UAE-based DWF Labs also invested $25 million in the project, highlighting the deepening financial relationship between Trump and Emirati elites.

Qatar has “donated” a Boeing 747-8 to serve as a replacement for Air Force One-a gesture that has raised questions about influence and transparency. Although Qatari officials have clarified the arrangement, the optics remain significant.

Saudi Arabia remains a crucial partner for Trump’s family real estate and business interests, and his administration continues to court Saudi investments.

The talk around town is that this is a clear sign Trump “threw Netanyahu under the bus,” particularly with the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the decision to stop the bombing in Yemen, the release of the last American hostage from Hamas without Israel’s involvement, and now the promotion of arms deals with the Saudis and growing relations with Qatar. All of these moves are supposedly against the interests of Netanyahu and the Israeli right wing.

Supposedly, because this is the opposite agenda of his more influential family members-Ivanka and Jared Kushner-his closest associates like Steve Witkoff, Boris Epshteyn, and Stephen Miller, and his major donors and supporters such as Miriam Adelson, Howard Lutnick, Mark Rowan, and others. And, of course, the evangelical community, which is the engine behind Trump and MAGA, with leaders like Paula White-Cain, Robert Jeffress, Franklin Graham, and others. All are connected to the Israeli extreme right, which currently forms the Israeli government.

Trump did not simply wake up one day and decide to go against all of them. It is more likely that he is playing a role-as the actor that he is-in a scheme that will probably end in military action against Iran, which is also of interest to the Saudis.

Qatar is a very different story of supporting terror around the globe, which I will elaborate on in the future.

Americans and Israelis should be much more concerned about Trump’s connections with Putin, which he has downplayed in recent months-likely in an effort to reduce criticism of his words and actions on issues related to Russia. The extent of these ties has led some observers to warn that the situation approaches the level of a foreign-influenced White House.

But Trump genuinely dislikes Netanyahu-like most people who know Netanyahu. Trump also remembers Netanyahu’s cold shoulder after he lost the 2020 elections. However, he cannot completely disassociate himself from all of his close friends and supporters. We will soon see how this unfolds, but it will likely unfold for the benefit of the Israeli extreme right, and not for the future and safety of the State of Israel.

About the Author
Attorney, former communications director for the Israeli government, lobbyist, strategy, former reporter for Galei Tzahal and Haaretz, former Shaliach to the US, CEO of The Israeli TV & Film Producers Association, Campaign manager for several parties and incumbents. Led several social causes, organizations, causes and unions. Life-long volunteer and student.
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