President Trump’s first foreign trip of his second term focuses on defense, economic ties, and AI dominance amid regional instability
By Morgan Phillips | Fox News | Published: May 13, 2025 – 12:00 AM EDT
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – President Donald Trump has kicked off his first major foreign visit of his second term, targeting over $2 trillion in U.S.-bound investments through strategic stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The high-stakes tour is centered on defense partnerships, economic growth, and “Abraham Accords 2.0”, as the region navigates ongoing war and stalled nuclear talks with Iran.
Reviving U.S. Influence in the Gulf
The three-day tour signals a renewed U.S. commitment to its Gulf allies after years of strained relations under the Biden administration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the visit a cornerstone of Trump’s vision that “extremism is defeated through commerce and cultural exchanges.”
Middle East Forum director Gregg Roman noted that Trump is reinforcing the message that the U.S. is “here to promote our joint interests rather than the abandonment policies under the previous administration.”
Saudi Arabia Pledges $600 Billion—with More to Come
In Riyadh, Trump was welcomed with the promise of $600 billion in investments, including arms purchases, artificial intelligence, and technology transfers. Trump hinted that the final commitment could soar to $1 trillion, as Saudi Arabia looks to diversify its economy beyond oil.
While economic ties deepen, Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are also discussing a civil nuclear agreement and extended military cooperation. However, Saudi normalization with Israel remains off the table unless Palestinian statehood is addressed—something Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to consider.
“Israeli normalization in any Saudi-U.S. project is an outdated option,” stated Saudi geopolitical analyst Salman Al-Ansari.
Qatar and UAE Step In with AI, Military and Energy Investments
Qatar has offered President Trump the symbolic use of a royal Boeing 747-8 for his Gulf tour and is hosting him at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base. Meanwhile, the UAE has pledged a staggering $1.4 trillion over the next decade, primarily aimed at semiconductors, AI, and green energy.
On Thursday, Trump announced plans to reverse Biden-era restrictions on AI exports, clearing the way for increased tech cooperation with both Gulf states, especially as China’s influence in the region rises.
No Israel Stop as Regional Dynamics Shift
Trump’s itinerary excludes Israel, reflecting shifting dynamics in the Middle East. With the ongoing Gaza war and fourth round of stalled U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, the administration appears to be prioritizing strategic autonomy over historic alliances.
In a possible goodwill gesture, Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, which Trump hailed as “monumental.”
Iran Shadows the Tour with Diplomatic Maneuvers
Ahead of Trump’s arrival, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made unannounced visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, signaling Tehran’s concern over a unified Gulf-American front.
“The IRGC is trying to undermine every single country in the region,” said regional expert Jonathan Bass, referring to Iran’s elite military unit.
As the Gulf states tighten cooperation with Washington and pour unprecedented capital into American markets, Iran, Israel, and global observers are watching closely. Trump’s message is clear: the U.S. is back—and ready to lead.
