President Trump has embarked on a four-day tour of the Middle East, starting with a grand arrival in Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, personally welcomed the president as he landed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The opulent reception included a special V.I.P. section, a lavender carpet, and a delegation of royals. Mr. Trump showed his appreciation by punching the air in solidarity with the Crown Prince.

The president was joined on his trip by senior members of his administration, including Secretary of State Rubio, Defense Secretary Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Bessent. He also brought along a group of top American business leaders, such as Elon Musk and executives from IBM, Citigroup, and Nvidia.

After attending a lunch reception at the Crown Prince’s palace, Mr. Trump and his team will participate in an investment forum with executives from some of America’s largest companies. The main focus of his visit to the Gulf region is to sign business agreements worth over $1 trillion, including investments in artificial intelligence companies, energy production, and arms purchases from U.S. weapons manufacturers, according to the New York Times. The president will also make stops in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where he was recently gifted with a new Boeing airplane to use as Air Force One.

This gift from Qatar has sparked some controversy, with concerns that it may be part of a long-term influence campaign by the small Gulf state. However, Mr. Trump defended the gift, stating