The Global Story The President’s Path: Trump’s Gulf tour
May 17, 2025
In this thrilling discussion, Ed O’Keefe, CBS News senior White House correspondent, and Bernd Debusmann, BBC's senior reporter, dissect President Trump's recent Gulf diplomatic tour. They highlight the strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing economic incentives over ethical considerations. The duo navigates the complexities of Trump’s messaging in the Middle East and scrutinizes the tension in U.S.-Ukrainian-Russian talks, revealing the varied sentiments among global leaders. A captivating exploration of political maneuvering unfolds!
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Trump's Economic Diplomacy in Gulf
- President Trump's Gulf tour focused on economic deals rather than traditional diplomacy or peace talks.
- This marked a shift toward "peace through prosperity" leveraging American business, not political lectures.
Trump's Popularity in Gulf Explained
- Trump remains very popular in UAE and Saudi Arabia, partly due to perceptions he is tougher on Iran.
- The governments prefer U.S. engagement focused on mutual interests, avoiding human rights lectures.
Economics Trump Over Human Rights
- The Trump administration avoided confronting Saudi Arabia on human rights issues like Khashoggi's murder.
- The focus was strictly on economic progress and future investments with American companies.