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Home / Grand strategy / Has Trump’s ‘art of the deal’ paid off in the Middle East?
Grand strategy, Middle East

May 17, 2025

Has Trump’s ‘art of the deal’ paid off in the Middle East?

US President Donald Trump has announced a swathe of new business deals with Middle Eastern nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE on his first major tour of the region since he took office. The US leader touted a sharp break from Washington’s previous stance on the Middle East in an address to regional leaders in Riyadh. Defense Priorities’ policy director Benjamin Friedman says his words are not necessarily aligned with his actions.

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Photo of Benjamin Friedman

Benjamin
Friedman

Policy Director

Defense Priorities

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