Donald Trump’s Recent Middle East Tour and Recent Developments in The United States (May 2025)

By: somvisit.com

May 2025 was a watershed moment in terms of U.S. domestic political developments and the U.S. foreign relations with the Arab world. Donald Trump was recently re-elected after the 2024 elections and launched a deliberate effort to economically and diplomatically reposition the United States with the Middle East. In parallel, he was struggling with growing dissent at home consisting of protests and court cases. This article summarizes his recent trips abroad related to his foreign relationships, what is happening inside the United States, and possible global ramifications of his administration’s politically placed foreign national policies.

Trump’s Visit to the Middle East: Mideast Deals, Diplomacy, and Controversies

Saudi Arabia (May 13–14):
Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began their trip in Riyadh. They discussed economic cooperation, defence pacts, and counter-terrorism cooperation. Many agreements were made to bolster U.S.-Saudi relations, including a number of billion-dollar contracts in both energy and technology sectors. Trump also promoted his controversial new plan related to Gaza called the “New Riviera,” which envisioned transforming Gaza into a high-end tourist and economic zone—a vision widely denounced as a scheme to force Palestinians out of Gaza.

Qatar (May 14–15):
Trump’s second scheduled stop was in Doha, Qatar, where he met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. That same day Qatar Airways announced signing a historic agreement with Boeing to purchase over 210 aircraft. Trump announced the order was “the largest order in Boeing’s history.” Qatar also pledged to deepen economic relations with the U.S. by establishing a new regional initiative called the “Trump Economic Axis.” However, while Trump inquired about aviation plans and partnerships, he counseled Qatar on de-escalating its support for Palestinian resistance groups, raising concerns that the U.S. accepts and encourages anti-Palestinian policies and practices.

United Arab Emirates (May 15–16):

In Abu Dhabi, Trump met President Mohammed bin Zayed and received the UAE’s high honor, the Order of Zayed, and announced a project to build the largest artificial intelligence (AI) data center outside of the U.S. The UAE also agreed to increasing arms sales, which raised alarms about an escalating arms race in the region. The Arab Reaction: Unified Denial of Trump’s Gaza Plan After Trump announced financing of a Gaza redevelopment plan in December 2024, the Arab states reacted uniformly and overwhelmingly. In February 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted a summit with Egypt, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait. They all unanimously rejected the U.S. offer and expressed their determination to pursue a solution that defended Palestinian sovereignty. In March 2025, Egypt offered an alternative reconstruction plan for Gaza, transferring governance and housing rights to the Palestinians. All attending Arab states endorsed the plan. There has been no official response from either the U.S. or Israel.

What’s Going on Within the United States?

1. “One Big Beautiful Bill” Passed in Congress

President Trump rolled out an enormous new law known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”. After being passed by the House of Representatives, the bill cuts taxes for the rich, eliminates programs to address Climate Change, and prohibits any federal access to health care for transgendered individuals. Economists express that it will add significantly to the national debt, as it tremendously weakens public services.

2. Harvard’s International Enrollment Prohibited

Trump ordered that Harvard University cannot enroll any international students, accusing Harvard of conspiring with foreign governments. Harvard filed a federal lawsuit to contest the ban, claiming it violates the First Amendment, and academic freedom.

3. New Global Tariffs

The Trump’s administration put in place a 50% tax on goods imported from all of Europe and a 25% tax on smartphones, and other electronics imported from abroad. Apple and Tesla both claimed that in light of the tariffs they would incur economic losses, and job losses would result.

4. Israeli Embassy Shooting in Washington D.C.

A gunman killed two Israeli embassy personnel, reportedly shouting pro-Palestinian slogans while doing so. This raised concerns about whether rising antisemitism and Islamophobia was also experienced in the United States. Trump responded by blaming “radical extremists in America” and called for new laws related to national security.
5. Mass Protests “50501” and “Hands Off!”
Protests erupted all over all fifty states, but mostly in large metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc. There were two protests “50501” (May 1, 2025), and “Hands Off!” that demanded protection for LGBTQ rights, women’s health, affordable education, and for minorities, and protested Elon Musk now being allowed to lead elements of the U.S. government.

Conclusion

May 2025 highlighted the underlying tensions shaping the contemporary American and global political context. Trump’s administration is promoting its own vision of “American strength” at home and abroad, but this has led to international backlash, as well as domestic dissent. The Arab world appears united once again in supporting the Palestinian cause, and Americans are marching in the streets in increasing numbers.
The coming months will determine if President Trump can achieve his vision in the Middle East, and if the U.S. political environment can return to a state of stability.
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Word count: 1,065
Author: somvisit
Language: English
Sources: The Guardian, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Wikipedia, AP News