ABC News Daily Why Trump’s Middle East tour is about money, not peace
6 snips
May 14, 2025 
Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, analyzes Donald Trump's recent Middle East tour, revealing its true focus on economic interests rather than peace. He discusses Trump’s acquisition of a luxury 747 from Qatar and substantial investment deals with Saudi Arabia. The conversation highlights the lack of dialogue about Gaza and the strains in U.S.-Israel relations amid escalating conflicts. Ibish further critiques the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the dire shortages exacerbated by ongoing tensions.
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Trump's Trip Driven by Money
- Donald Trump's Middle East trip focuses more on economic gains than on peace efforts in Gaza.
- He seeks both national and personal financial benefits from large investments and luxury gifts.
Inflated Investment Figures Tactic
- Trump repeats 2017 tactic by announcing inflated huge investment deals.
- Actual deal values are much smaller than the billion-dollar figures touted for political gain.
Strained US-Israel Relations
- US-Israel relations remain strong but strained by unilateral US negotiations with Hamas and Iran.
- Trump’s moves to lift Syria sanctions and pursue Iran deals upset Netanyahu and Israeli leadership.