Donald Trump’s use of the White House to advance his family’s business interests remains one of the most blatant scandals in American history. From his dealings with foreign powers to his willingness to blur the lines between public service and personal gain, the former president’s actions have raised serious ethical concerns.
With the turmoil in the Middle East, it’s understandable that Trump’s first foreign trip during his second term would be to the region. The crisis in Gaza, where Israel plans to take control of the territory, is dire, with millions of Palestinians facing famine and ongoing military bombardment. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has brokered a ceasefire with Houthi rebels in Yemen, who had previously threatened U.S. ships in the Red Sea. Yet despite these serious matters, Trump’s visit to the Gulf had a different purpose—one that focused far more on business than diplomacy.
While Trump’s trip was officially about seeking investment in America, the real agenda appeared to be centered on his personal business ventures. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the man responsible for the murder of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi during Trump’s first term, has pledged to invest $600 billion in America. But there’s growing suspicion that the real focus of this trip is not on advancing U.S. interests, but rather on securing deals for Trump’s family empire. The trip—his first stop in three Gulf states—highlighted how Trump continues to intertwine official matters with personal profit.
Even before the trip began, Trump’s actions raised eyebrows. It was revealed that Qatar would be gifting him a luxury Boeing 747-8 worth $400 million. The aircraft, intended to serve as a temporary replacement for Air Force One, was initially hailed by Trump as a “gift” from the Qatari government. He took to Truth Social to defend the deal, mocking the Democrats who criticized the transaction. “So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft… so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane,” Trump wrote. But what was initially dismissed as partisan outrage quickly turned into a larger issue.
The proposal was criticized not just by Democrats, but also by prominent Republicans, including Senator Rand Paul and podcaster Ben Shapiro. Though the jet has not yet been officially transferred, it raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest. Trump has suggested that the aircraft could be transferred to his presidential library foundation after his term ends. If this happens, it would allow him to continue using the jet long after leaving office, suggesting that Qatar’s favor is not without its own strings attached.
While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the jet is part of a quid pro quo, Qatar’s actions have unmistakably bought influence with the U.S. president. Trump is treating the presidency as a means to secure personal gains, and Qatar appears eager to play along. It’s a disturbing reflection of how Trump envisions leadership: a series of personal relationships where foreign governments and business elites serve his interests.
Trump’s ties to the Gulf region run deep, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. His family businesses are heavily intertwined with these nations, and it would be remarkable if Trump didn’t use this trip to further these interests. His sons, Eric and Donald Jr., have been leading the charge in promoting their family’s business across the region, recently announcing deals worth billions of dollars. Their ventures include a luxury hotel in Dubai, a high-end tower in Saudi Arabia, and a golf course in Qatar.
The Trump sons are also involved in a rapidly growing cryptocurrency business. The pair co-founded American Bitcoin, a crypto firm, and are now pushing to take it public. Their involvement in the crypto space has raised alarms due to the president’s direct backing of pro-crypto legislation and his decision to close down a Department of Justice unit that investigated its use in illegal activities. By promoting cryptocurrencies like $Trump, a meme coin launched just before his inauguration, Trump has effectively turned his presidency into a fundraising tool for his family’s business empire.
For example, Trump invited 220 of his top investors in the $Trump meme coin to dine with him, labeling it the “most EXCLUSIVE INVITATION in the world.” This event led to a surge in the coin’s value, with investors collectively spending nearly $150 million. The presence of high-profile investors, such as Justin Sun a major Trump donor further indicates that these ventures are driven by personal relationships and mutual benefits.
The level of corruption involved in these dealings far exceeds the accusations levied against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter, which Republicans and Trump supporters have long championed as a massive scandal. For Trump, the presidency has become an opportunity to enrich himself and his family, with personal business interests taking precedence over the nation’s needs.
Trump’s sense of entitlement is evident in his justifications for these lavish deals. He claimed the $400 million jet was simply a “gesture” from Qatar, a reward for America’s help in the Middle East. However, the real motive appears to be securing further personal gain, with little regard for the ethical implications.
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What is unfolding under Trump’s second term represents perhaps the most significant corruption scandal in U.S. history. While some Democrats are beginning to take action—recently blocking legislation regulating stablecoin, a form of cryptocurrency—they are up against a president who continues to use the highest office for personal enrichment. Meanwhile, Trump will continue his tour through the Middle East, securing deals for himself and his family, all while the American public watches from the sidelines.
