Trump holds a face-to-face discussion with Qatar's ruler in Doha's city
US President Donald Trump visited Qatar's capital, Doha, on Wednesday, May 14, as part of his tour of the Middle East. This visit followed a stop in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, on May 13, and is scheduled to be followed by a stop in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.
Upon his arrival in Doha, Trump was greeted by Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. Relations between the two countries have been under the spotlight due to the Qatari royal family's offer to the US of a $400 million luxury jet, intended to serve as a new Air Force One.
Before his meeting with Qatari leaders, Trump had held a meeting in Riyadh with various leaders, including Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Saudi Crown Prince, and the Turkish president, who joined the meeting virtually. Trump called on the Syrian interim president to normalize relations with Israel and take responsibility for the detention centers housing IS members within the country.
During his visit to Qatar, Trump acknowledged the significance of the U.S. military presence in the region and expressed gratitude for the dedication of U.S. service members. While no official announcement was made regarding the potential gift of a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar, the visit underscored the administration's intent to strengthen diplomatic and military ties with Middle Eastern allies and coalition partners.
[1] The White House, "Remarks by President Trump While Meeting with Troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar," May 15, 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-meeting-troops-al-udeid-air-base-qatar/.[2] "U.S. President Donald Trump Visits Qatar on Wednesday," Al Jazeera, May 15, 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/14/us-president-donald-trump-visits-qatar-on-wednesday.[3] "Trump Holds Virtual Meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan, Syrian Interim President Al-Sharaa," Anadolu Agency, May 14, 2025, https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/trump-holds-virtual-meeting-with-turkish-president-erdogan-syrian-interim-president-al-sharaa/2135177.[4] "Qatar Offers Luxury Boeing 747-8 Jet as Potential New Air Force One," CNBC, May 11, 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/11/qatar-offers-luxury-boeing-747-8-jet-as-potential-new-air-force-one.html.
[1] The news of President Trump's visit to Qatar on May 15, 2025, included reports of his meeting with the troops at Al Udeid Air Base, expressing gratitude for their dedication.
[2] General news outlets covered the political implications of Trump's visit to Qatar, as it followed his stop in Saudi Arabia and was preceded by a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates.
[3] As part of his diplomatic efforts, Trump held a virtual meeting with the Turkish president and the Syrian interim president, discussing normalization of relations with Israel and detention centers housing IS members.
[4] The history of the U.S. military presence in the Middle East was highlighted during Trump's visit to Qatar, with no official announcement about the potential gift of a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar, yet underscoring the administration's intent to strengthen ties.
