Donald Trump

Trump Set to Meet Syrian Leader Ahead of Qatar Visit

Donald Trump is set to meet the leader of Syria and the heads of the Gulf states Wednesday in Riyadh before travelling to Qatar where controversy is swirling over the gifting of a luxury aircraft. The US president was set to "say hello" to Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa during his last day in Riyadh, after vowing to remove sanctions against ...

Donald Trump Hails a "Tremendous Relationship" with MBS

U.S. President Donald Trump began his Gulf tour on Tuesday with a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first stop in a regional trip focused on strengthening economic and strategic ties. During a meeting at the royal palace with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump described him as a “friend” and praised the “tremendous ...

US and Saudi Arabia Ink Massive $142 Billion Arms Deal

The US and Saudi Arabia signed a mammoth arms deal Tuesday that the White House called the largest "in history" amid a raft of agreements inked by Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. "The United States and Saudi Arabia signed the largest defense sales agreement in history -- nearly $142 billion, providing Saudi ...

What Riyadh Really Expects from Trump's Visit

On May 13 in Riyadh, Donald Trump kicked off a high-stakes tour of the Middle East, starting with a lavish welcome in Saudi Arabia. Escorted by Saudi F-15 fighter jets and greeted warmly by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the former real estate mogul turned president is under close scrutiny from the Kingdom. What are the Saudis really hoping to ...

Trump Basks in Saudi Welcome on Business-Focused State Visit

Donald Trump enjoyed a lavish, royal welcome in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday on the first state visit of his second term, with the US president foremost focused on business deals at the start of a Gulf tour. Saudi Arabia escorted Air Force One with fighter jets before bringing out long-stretching honour guards both at the airport and a palace decked ...

US State Department: Supporting LAF Remains a Priority

US State Department spokesperson Sam Warburg emphasized on Tuesday the United States’ commitment to supporting the Lebanese Army (LAF), stressing that it must “extend its control over every inch of Lebanon.” In an interview with LBCI, Warburg noted that Washington is actively discussing with the Lebanese government the types of economic ...

Trump Says would be 'Stupid' to Reject Qatari Air Force One Gift

US President Donald Trump on Monday angrily dismissed concerns over his plans to receive a jet from Qatar to be used as Air Force One, saying it would be "stupid" not to accept such a gift. The offer from Qatar's royal family to donate the $400 million 747-8 to be used as the US presidential plane raised major questions about ethics and security, ...

US Approves $1.4 bn Weapons Sale to UAE

US officials said Monday the State Department has authorized the sale of $1.4 billion worth of military aircraft and equipment to the United Arab Emirates, ahead of President Donald Trump's visit this week. The proposed sale to the Gulf state involves six CH-47F Chinook helicopters and other equipment for $1.32 billion that would "support the ...

Lebanon Border Deal Nears Under US, French and Saudi Mediation

The border demarcation issue between Lebanon and its neighbors—Syria to the north and Israel to the south—is progressing, with France, Saudi Arabia and the US playing key mediating roles. The situation is now more favorable, as long-standing internal and external obstacles have largely dissipated, creating a better climate for finalizing ...

US, China Agree to Slash Tariffs in Trade War De-Escalation

The United States and China announced Monday an agreement to drastically reduce tit-for-tat tariffs for 90 days, an outcome President Donald Trump dubbed a "total reset," as he said that talks with counterpart Xi Jinping could soon follow. After the first meetings between Washington and Beijing since Trump ratcheted up his trade war, ...