Dr. Mohamed ELDoh
President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the Middle East from May 13 to 16 is far more than a symbolic tour—it is a deliberate power maneuver shaped by economic urgencies at home, global geopolitical flux, and the enduring centrality of Gulf states to US strategy in the region. While the visit’s formal itinerary may remain diplomatically vague, the underlying objectives reveal a carefully calibrated agenda: securing economic relief, reinforcing political optics, and tightening the US grip on its most reliable Gulf allies, namely Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia.
These three countries are not only pillars of regional stability but also serve as functional proxies for US power projection without the costs of direct military involvement. From energy leverage and financial liquidity to regional conflict mediation, each of these states offers unique assets that Trump is likely determined to harness. But in doing so, he must navigate a minefield of competing agendas, rising global multipolarity, and shifting loyalties, especially amid the growing influence of China and the complex role of Russia.
America First, Gulf Funded
Trump’s foremost concern remains domestic: he must return to DC brandishing tangible wins to validate his “America First” doctrine. With inflationary pressures mounting due to tariff policies, Trump is keen to showcase deals that funnel Gulf wealth into the US economy. This includes multi-billion-dollar investment commitments from Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. Unlike previous administrations that emphasized diplomatic nuance, Trump is less interested in long-term statecraft and more focused on the transactionality of foreign policy.
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