U.S. President Donald Trump has landed in the Middle East, beginning a highly publicised regional tour that includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The visit comes with sweeping investment pledges across sectors like AI, energy, heavy industry, and mining.
But behind the grandeur lies a deeper question of political and personal entanglements. Trump’s organisation has business interests in all three countries—raising renewed debate over conflicts of interest between his public office and private empire.
A “Faithful Ally” Left Behind
Under Trump’s watch, the support for Israel’s campaign has only intensified. After returning to office, Trump declared he would send Israel “everything it needs to finish the job.” But Israel’s failure to achieve a swift “victory” seems to have frustrated the White House.
Rather than concern for Palestinian lives, the issue appears rooted in logistics and optics. Israel’s prolonged assault on Gaza is delaying what Trump has described as his “Middle East Riviera” project—a post-war vision where the U.S. would take control of Gaza and rebuild it as real estate.
“The United States will take care of Gaza, and we’ll do a great job,” Trump promised. “We’ll own it.”
But wars, even profitable ones, eventually become bad business—especially when they drag on, destroy assets, and repel investors.
Cracks in the ‘Unbreakable Bond’
Tensions between Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have quietly escalated:
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- Trump suspended military strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen—a move that “shocked and angered” Netanyahu, according to NBC News.
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- Trump has also shown little appetite for war with Iran, refusing to endorse direct Israeli strikes.
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- Most notably, the U.S. abandoned the requirement that Saudi Arabia normalise ties with Israel as a condition for its civil nuclear program support.
So where does this leave the “sacred alliance” between Washington and Tel Aviv?
Israel Is Still a Player—Even When Not Invited
Despite being left off the itinerary, Israel’s presence still looms large in Trump’s inner circle.
This event—held at the heart of Trump’s empire—signals that even if public optics shift, the private ideological alignment remains intact.
Behind the Optics: Priorities and Profits
From defence contracts to real estate speculation, Trump’s interests are served best when wars are short, decisive, and lucrative—not drawn-out and reputationally toxic.
And as Gaza remains in ruins and Israel’s campaign drags on, the “Riviera of the Middle East” remains a mirage—unbuilt and politically risky.
A Shift in Empire, Not Morality
Ultimately, skipping Israel does not mean a shift in moral posture. Rather, it represents a strategic recalibration:
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- The U.S. remains complicit in Israel’s atrocities
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- But Trump is now prioritising partnerships where stability and economic growth can deliver faster returns
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- Meanwhile, Israel continues to function as America’s military subcontractor, whether or not it appears on official schedules
The absence of a visit may be symbolic—but the system of support, weapons, and silence remains firmly in place.
