Working the Middle East Circuit: Trump’s 2019 Tour
Hands up, let's get this show on the road
Trump suggests possible negotiations with North Korea, escalating tensions in the Middle East
U.S. President Donald Trump's arrival in Riyadh was as dramatic as a Hollywood blockbuster on May 14, 2019. Hand in hand with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Trump flashed a grin for the cameras before joining the Gulf Cooperation Council leaders for a group photo [AP/YONHAP].
Newspaper Headlines in Tehran
A person brandishing a newspaper proudly displayed a picture of U.S. President Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Tehran on May 11 [REUTERS/YONHAP].
Negotiation Tools: Sanctions and Diplomacy
The handshake between Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa and President Trump in Riyadh conveyed a few things: diplomatic efforts, regional tensions, and sanctions, a powerful negotiation card [AP/YONHAP].
Eyeing the Hermit Kingdom
Flashbacks of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and President Trump shaking hands at the Panmunjom border, symbolizing a historic moment in June 2019, must have crossed the minds of bystanders, as eyes turned towards North Korea [AP/YONHAP].
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Trump's 2019 Middle East tour may not have made the headlines back then, but its significance could be inferred from his previous visit in 2017. He attended the Arab-Islamic-American Summit, sealed major arms deals with Saudi Arabia, and met with leaders in Israel and the Palestinian territories, emphasizing the need for peace [CNN, The New York Times, BBC News].
The search results for the specific 2019 tour are scarce, but it's clear that Trump's mission was to strengthen alliances, secure economic partnerships, and maintain regional security. The tour could have been a strategic move to build on the foundation laid during his earlier visit in 2017 or tactics to address emerging challenges.
If the discussion shifts towards a more recent trip, say 2025, recent search results suggest Trump received a grand reception in Qatar and the UAE, discussing significant economic investments including a $1.4 trillion investment pledge from the UAE to the U.S. over the next decade [1][2].
References for Further Context:
- For a detailed analysis of Trump's Middle East tours, consult historical news archives or reputable sources like CNN, The New York Times, or BBC News.
[1] Associated Press, "UAE to invest $1.4 trillion in US over next decade, adviser says," May 16, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/business-middle-east-a22d1e60d73e66e0d20d444d9808d075
[2] Reuters, "UAE promises massive $1.4 trillion US investment, as Trump visits Gulf," May 16, 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uae-promises-massive-1-4-trillion-us-investment-trump-visits-gulf-2025-05-16/
- The 2025 tour of the United States by President Donald Trump, notably in Qatar and the UAE, emphasized general news, politics, and business, as he discussed promising economic investments such as a $1.4 trillion pledge from the UAE over the next decade.
- In 2019, during Trump's Middle East tour, the focus was on strengthening alliances, securing economic partnerships, and maintaining regional security, implicating both war-and-conflicts and industry.
- Away from the political arena, Trump's 2017 visit to the Middle East involved engagement in arts and culture, as he attended the Arab-Islamic-American Summit and emphasized the need for peace.
