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Trump Kicks Off Middle East Tour

Trump Kicks Off Middle East Tour
Above: U.S. President Donald J. Trump addresses the audience at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center while attending a Saudi-U.S. business investment forum, on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Image copyright: Win McNamee/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

The Middle East tour demonstrates America's shifting foreign policy priorities, emphasizing pragmatic business relationships over traditional diplomatic protocols. These Gulf nations represent ideal partners for President Trump's deft approach, offering both massive investment potential and strategic regional influence. The focus on economic deals rather than human rights concerns shows a practical path to advancing America First interests.

Democratic narrative

Trump's brazen approach risks undermining long-standing American values and alliances while potentially legitimizing authoritarian regimes. The exclusive focus on wealthy Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, signals a concerning shift away from promoting democracy and human rights in favor of purely commercial interests. The role of Trump's conflicts of interest in the region must be further illuminated as well.

Metaculus Prediction



The Controversies



Go Deeper


Political split

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