Trump’s Extensive Business Ties with Saudi Arabia Raise Conflict of Interest Concerns
President Donald Trump’s longstanding business relationships with Saudi Arabia have come under increased scrutiny, especially in light of recent political events. These connections, spanning decades, intertwine his private business interests with his public duties, leading to potential conflicts of interest. As Trump continues to engage with Saudi officials and business leaders, questions arise about the impact of these financial ties on U.S. foreign policy decisions.
Historical Business Ventures
Trump’s financial engagements with Saudi entities date back to the early 1990s. In 1991, facing significant financial challenges, he sold his 282-foot yacht, the “Trump Princess,” to Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for $20 million, a transaction that provided much-needed liquidity during a tumultuous period for his business empire. A few years later, in 1995, Prince Alwaleed, along with other investors, purchased a controlling stake in New York’s Plaza Hotel from Trump, further solidifying their business relationship.
In 2001, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia acquired the entire 45th floor of the Trump World Tower in New York City for $12 million. This purchase underscored the Saudi government’s interest in investing in Trump’s real estate ventures. Over the years, Saudi officials and businesses have been among the high-profile clients frequenting Trump properties, including Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., which saw a notable increase in Saudi-linked bookings during his presidency.
Trump’s real estate ventures have long benefited from wealthy Middle Eastern investors, including those from Saudi Arabia. Despite his previous criticisms of foreign investments in the U.S., Trump’s businesses have openly welcomed Saudi financial support, further entangling his financial interests with one of the world’s most influential oil-rich nations.
Political Implications and Recent Developments
As President, Trump’s interactions with Saudi Arabia have extended beyond business into significant political engagements. In May 2017, during his first foreign trip as President, Trump visited Saudi Arabia and signed a $350 billion arms deal, marking the largest in world history. This agreement included the transfer of tanks, combat ships, missile defense systems, and advanced technologies, aiming to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities. The deal, which Trump hailed as a major success for American jobs, also reinforced the strong ties between the two nations.
More recently, in February 2025, Trump attended the Future Investment Initiative (FII) summit in Miami, an event sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. At this conference, he urged Saudi leaders to invest $1 trillion in the U.S. economy and praised the kingdom’s leadership. The summit, which attracted billionaires, royals, and top investors, has been compared to the World Economic Forum in Davos, with some attendees suggesting it has surpassed Davos in relevance. The event, dubbed “Davos in the Desert,” has been criticized for whitewashing Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which was widely believed to have been ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Trump’s praise of Saudi leadership and encouragement of investment in the U.S. raise concerns that his private business interests may influence his public stance. His continued involvement with Saudi leaders, even after leaving office, suggests that financial considerations remain a key motivator in his political and diplomatic engagements.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Trump’s dual role as a businessman with deep financial ties to Saudi Arabia and as President responsible for shaping U.S. foreign policy toward the kingdom raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that his business interests could influence policy decisions, potentially prioritizing personal financial gains over national interests.
For instance, the significant investments and favorable business dealings between Trump’s enterprises and Saudi entities might lead to biased policy decisions, such as arms deals or diplomatic support, that align more with personal business benefits than with broader U.S. strategic interests.
His administration was notably lenient on Saudi Arabia following the Khashoggi assassination, with Trump repeatedly defending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman despite U.S. intelligence agencies concluding that the Saudi leader was responsible. This stance raised questions about whether Trump’s reluctance to impose harsh penalties was influenced by his longstanding business interests in the kingdom.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has made major investments in companies with ties to Trump allies, further complicating the relationship. The PIF also played a key role in funding the controversial LIV Golf series, which has held events at Trump-owned golf courses, generating millions in revenue for the former President’s businesses.
Ethical Considerations and Transparency
The intertwining of Trump’s business interests with his presidential duties highlights the importance of transparency and strict adherence to ethical guidelines. While the President has stated that he has stepped back from day-to-day operations of his businesses, the continued financial benefits derived from foreign entities, especially those with vested interests in U.S. policy, necessitate clear boundaries to prevent undue influence.
During his presidency, Trump did not fully divest from his businesses, opting instead to transfer management to his sons while maintaining ownership. This arrangement allowed foreign governments and entities to continue patronizing his properties, raising concerns about foreign influence. Despite multiple calls for increased transparency and the release of financial records, Trump resisted efforts to disclose the full extent of his international business dealings.
Ensuring that policy decisions are made based on national interest rather than personal financial considerations is paramount. This situation underscores the need for robust mechanisms to monitor and address potential conflicts of interest, maintaining the integrity of the office and public trust. Future administrations must take steps to prevent similar conflicts by enforcing stricter financial disclosure requirements and ethics guidelines for elected officials.
Conclusion
President Trump’s extensive business ties with Saudi Arabia, combined with his political engagements, present a complex web of relationships that blur the lines between personal interests and public responsibilities. His business dealings with Saudi elites have raised ethical concerns about whether his foreign policy decisions were motivated by financial gain rather than U.S. interests.
As these connections continue to evolve, it is crucial to maintain vigilance in upholding ethical standards and ensuring that U.S. foreign policy decisions remain free from personal financial influences. The broader issue of foreign influence in American politics remains a critical concern, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in government leadership. Moving forward, stricter policies on financial disclosures and conflict of interest regulations are essential to protect the integrity of the presidency and ensure that public officials serve the nation’s best interests, rather than their own financial ambitions.
Do follow gulf magazine on Instagram
for more information click here
