3 Takeaways from Trump’s Middle East Trip

Trump announced deals and agreements, though few details were available. He offered a tolerant temperament on the trip, while criticizing the U.S. as a ‘stupid country.’

President Donald Trump is greeted as he arrives for an official arrival ceremony at Qasr al Watan (Palace of the Nation), May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

President Donald Trump wrapped up the first extended overseas trip of his second term this week after visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The trip was intended to reemphasize Trump’s “continued vision for a proud, prosperous, and successful Middle East, where the United States and Middle Eastern nations are in cooperative relationships, and where extremism is defeated in place of commerce and cultural exchanges,” according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

While Trump did announce some deals – albeit with few details available – other news captured the headlines this week, including Trump’s plan to accept a $400 million luxury jet gift from Qatar.

Here are key takeaways from Trump’s trip abroad: