Trump's Middle East Trip: Deals, Billionaires, and the Gaza Shadow

President Trump's Middle East visit commenced in Saudi Arabia on May 13, 2025, focusing on significant defense deals and political discussions. The trip also includes visits to Qatar and the UAE. A key aspect of this visit is the potential for substantial Saudi Arabian investment in the US economy, estimated at $1 trillion. This economic dimension is underscored by the presence of prominent tech billionaires such as Elon Musk in Trump's entourage. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza casts a shadow over the visit, with Saudi Arabia's anticipated peace deal with Israel postponed due to the conflict. 'Some of the things that I will be looking for is basically the framework of some of the security deals,' said Abdulaziz Al Ghashian, an analyst. The absence of a scheduled visit to Israel in Trump's itinerary is also noteworthy. Despite the lavish welcome in the Saudi royal court, analysts suggest Trump's visible frustration reflects the complexities of the regional situation and the challenges in achieving comprehensive peace in the Middle East.