Trump’s Middle East Trip Magnifies Business Conflict Concerns

The Trump Organization pledged not to do business with foreign governments. It’s happening anyway.

President Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signing documents.
Alex Brandon/AP

Trump is returning from the Middle East flush with investment commitments and to renewed calls from Democrats that his business ties with the cash-rich Gulf States ring with corruption.

In his first major international diplomacy travels, the president toured and met with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

At the same time, the dealings of the Trump Organization, the holding company for most of Trump’s businesses, are also growing in the Middle East. Trump’s stablecoin will be used in a $2 billion investment by an Abu Dhabi firm. He’s linked to LIV Golf, which is funded by Saudi Arabia. And the Trump Organization’s first real estate project in Qatar will be in collaboration with the real estate arm of the country’s sovereign wealth fund.