Trump's Middle East trip begins with visit to Saudi royal court
Share and Follow


() President Donald Trump began the first leg of his four-day Middle East trip Tuesday with a visit to leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Trump’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was punctuated by American efforts to end the war in Gaza, negotiate trade deals, maintain oil prices and dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.

Flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump indicated the focus for his first major foreign trip was business.

The guest list for Tuesday’s lunch in Saudi Arabia featured some of the world’s biggest business figures, including:

  • Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX
  • Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock
  • Kelly Ortberg, president and CEO of Boeing
  • Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon
  • Ruth Porat, president and CIO of Google

The White House hopes to return more than $1 trillion worth of investments in the United States, a White House official told .

After Tuesday’s lunch, Trump is expected to participate in a Saudi-U.S. investment forum before attending a Saudi state dinner.

Talks are scheduled with some of the world’s richest countries this week, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatari sources told the goal for their stop is $200 billion in business deals. Ethical concerns have arisen after the country offered Trump a free Air Force One replacement a Boeing 747 worth $400 million.

“I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer,” Trump told reporters Monday. “I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’”

During the trip, Trump has floated the idea of stepping away from planned stops to visit Turkey as it hosts Ukraine-Russia talks on Thursday.

“I was thinking about flying over. I don’t know where I am going to be on Thursday,” Trump said Monday. “I’ve got so many meetings. … There’s a possibility there, I guess, if I think things can happen.”

The Kremlin has not said whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Turkey.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
This image made from video provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) shows a muddy eruption at Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP)

Video Captures Dramatic Mud Eruption at Yellowstone’s Black Diamond Pool

“Kablooey!” This is how experts from the U.S. Geological Survey depicted a…
DRAFT 2025 big stories | firstcoastnews.com

Preview 2025: Top Anticipated Stories to Watch on First Coast News

From catastrophic natural events to the Los Angeles Dodgers clinching their second…
Woman put into Witness Protection says it nearly ruined her life

From Safety to Struggle: How Witness Protection Almost Destroyed My Life

A woman, who was thrust into the Witness Protection Program at just…
Moment shoplifter pulls out gun to shoot officer at point-blank range

Shocking Incident: Shoplifter Fires Gun at Officer at Point-Blank Range in Bold Daylight Crime

Chilling body camera footage reveals the intense moment when a bold shoplifter…
Nicki Minaj makes EXTREMELY inappropriate assassin gaffe to Erika Kirk

Nicki Minaj Sparks Controversy with Shocking Assassin Comment to Erika Kirk

During a recent appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmFest, Nicki Minaj found…
The spirit of my grandmother visited over Christmas

Unforgettable Christmas: A Heartfelt Encounter with My Grandmother’s Spirit

Throughout my life, I hadn’t been one to search for messages from…
Exclusive | NY Comptroller DiNapoli accused of massively underinvesting retirement fund by challenger

Challenger Claims NY Comptroller DiNapoli Failing to Maximize Retirement Fund Investments

ALBANY – Veteran State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is under fire for allegedly…
FILE - Colorado Gov. Jared Polis speaks to the National Governors Association at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 25, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Colorado Governor Criticizes Trump for Denying Disaster Requests Amid Political Tensions

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Governor Jared Polis has criticized President Donald Trump…