Trump to drum up major investments for US on Middle East trip: Almost entirely about business deals

WASHINGTON — President Trump will be focused on obtaining investments for the US when he travels to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates during his Middle East trip next week, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told The Post.“The relationships are very established,” Wiles said about Trump’s longstanding ties with the respective world leaders.“It’s almost entirely about business deals and investment in the United States by all three countries,” she added during the April 29 interview.“It’s across the board investments, and they’re very substantial.” Along with investments, the president may also bring up other foreign policy topics like the Houthis in Yemen, which shares a border with Saudi Arabia — and ending the Israel-Hamas war, a top Trump priority.Saudi Arabia was Trump’s first foreign stop as president back in May of 2017 and was intended to be his first stop again, before he attended Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican.The first time around, Trump secured a deal for Saudi Arabia to purchase $350 billion worth of arms from the US over 10 years on top of $110 billion that went into effect immediately.

This year’s defense spending pledge by the Saudis already is nearly double the figure.This time, oil talks will also be a part of Trump’s broader conversations with Saudi leaders, Wiles said.“President Trump will return to emphasize his 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,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at her regular briefing Friday.“This trip ultimately highlights how we stand on the brink of the golden age for both America and the Middle East — united by a shared vision of stability, opportunity and mutual respect.”Trump has a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS) as...