Trump's Middle East trip begins with visit to Saudi royal court
Share this @internewscast.com


() President Donald Trump began the first leg of his four-day Middle East trip Tuesday with a visit to leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Trump’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was punctuated by American efforts to end the war in Gaza, negotiate trade deals, maintain oil prices and dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.

Flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump indicated the focus of his first major foreign trip is business.

The guest list for Tuesday’s lunch in Saudi Arabia featured some of the world’s biggest business figures, including:

  • Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX
  • Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock
  • Kelly Ortberg, president and CEO of Boeing
  • Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon
  • Ruth Porat, president and CIO of Google

The White House hopes to return more than $1 trillion worth of investments in the United States, a White House official told .

After Tuesday’s lunch, Trump is expected to participate in a Saudi-U.S. investment forum before attending a Saudi state dinner.

Talks are scheduled with some of the world’s richest countries this week, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatari sources told the goal for their stop is $200 billion in business deals. Ethical concerns have arisen after the country offered Trump a free Air Force One replacement a Boeing 747 worth $400 million.

“I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer,” Trump told reporters Monday. “I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’”

During the trip, Trump has floated the idea of stepping away from planned stops to visit Turkey as it hosts Ukraine-Russia talks on Thursday.

“I was thinking about flying over. I don’t know where I am going to be on Thursday,” Trump said Monday. “I’ve got so many meetings. … There’s a possibility there, I guess, if I think things can happen.”

The Kremlin has not said whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Turkey.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Examining the Most Devastating U.S. Floods of the Past 25 Years

Flooding has consistently been a leading cause of death related to weather…

VIDEO: Fireworks mishap at Boone Lake leaves 2 injured

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A fireworks incident at the Boone Lake…

How Weather Contributed to the Devastating Flash Floods in Texas

WASHINGTON – The air was saturated with moisture, which powered a slow-moving…

Living History Park Reopens as Part of North Augusta’s July 4th Celebration

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. ()- Of all the July 4th celebrations Friday, North…

Paxton’s 41st Annual Traditional Fourth of July Celebration

More than 700 attendees gathered at Pells Park in Paxton to celebrate…

Essential Boating Safety Tips for the Fourth of July Weekend

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Boating is a popular way to observe Independence…

20% of new car buyers are opting for $1,000 monthly payments

(NewsNation) — Once considered rare, $1,000 car payments are fast becoming the…

Tropical Depression Three Anticipated to Develop into Tropical Storm Chantal by Saturday

As it heads toward South Carolina this weekend, it’s expected to make…

Heavy Sheriff Department Presence at Orange County Apartment Complex

Law enforcement response to the Baldwin Apartments in Orange County. (Photo by…

Tragic Downtown Indianapolis Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 5 Injured

INDIANAPOLIS – Residents are seeking answers following a downtown mass shooting early…

Dalai Lama Expresses Wish to Live Past 130 Years as 90th Birthday Approaches

DHARAMSHALA – Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, expressed his aspiration to…

Aerial Footage Captures Severe Flooding in Kerrville, Texas

IE 11 is no longer supported. For the best experience, please visit…