What Trump did in Qatar: billion-dollar deals, royal life and the personal interests of the US president's family

President Donald Trump signed a declaration of cooperation and several agreements with the government of Qatar on the second day of his official trip to the Middle East. Experts say that during Trump's trip to Qatar, the Trump Organization reached an agreement to expand its business in the country.

Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during a joint statement, said the talks were meaningful and that the parties had time to discuss the situation in the Middle East and many other issues.

The Emir stated that relations between Qatar and the United States are expected to reach a new level.

For his part, Trump said: "We had a very interesting few hours. We talked about the whole world, including Russia, Ukraine and Iran."

Trump's meeting with Qatari leaders was much shorter than his one-and-a-half-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

His company plans to build golf courses and luxury villas in Qatar and the UAE.

In April 2025, the company announced the construction of the 80-story Trump International Hotel & Tower in downtown Dubai, the first hotel of this scale in the region.

Trump does not currently run the family business. His children took over the running of the business after he was re-elected to a second term on January 20. However, experts say that conflicts of interest are difficult to avoid because the company is associated with the president's name.

Also, Pam Bondi, who was appointed by Trump to be the US Attorney General, had previously officially registered as a lobbyist on behalf of the Qatari government.

Qatar gift

Donald Trump has come under fire in recent days for accepting a $400 million presidential jet from Qatar. According to US protocol, officials cannot accept gifts worth more than $400.

Trump responded: "My point of view is: Why shouldn't I accept a gift? We give gifts to other people. Why shouldn't I accept it?"

This plane is being called a "flying palace" in the media. According to CBS News, this aircraft will be presented to the presidential library that will be established in Trump's name after his presidency ends.

In the United States, a library is established for each former president. It houses historical presidential memorabilia and is usually funded by private donations.

Experts believe that such an expensive gift, even if it is officially presented to the administration and not to the president, may violate US law.

According to reports, the US Department of Justice has prepared a special memorandum explaining why the aircraft gift may be permissible, but the document has not yet been made public.

When asked about the legality of the deal, White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said: "The legal aspects are still being reviewed, but any donations to the government are made in full compliance with applicable laws."