President Donald Trump Makes Historic State Visit to Qatar, Signs $1.2 Trillion Trade Deal

President Donald Trump Makes Historic State Visit to Qatar, Signs $1.2 Trillion Trade Deal

Doha, Qatar – May 2025

On the second day of his Middle East tour, President Donald Trump made history by becoming the first U.S. president to pay an official state visit to Qatar. During the landmark visit, the United States and Qatar signed multiple trade and defense agreements totaling $1.2 trillion.

First Meeting with Syria’s New President

Just prior to his arrival in Qatar, Trump took another historic step by holding his first meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharar. After 13 years of brutal civil war, the HTS (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham)-led coalition ousted Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Previously, the U.S. had designated HTS as a terrorist organization.

This marked the first face-to-face meeting between American and Syrian leadership in 25 years. During the talks, Trump urged Syria to expel “foreign and Palestinian militants” and normalize relations with Israel. “Al-Sharar has a historic opportunity in front of him,” Trump said.

Royal Reception and Trillion-Dollar Agreements in Qatar

President Trump was received in Qatar with royal fanfare, including an honor escort of F-15 fighter jets, a red carpet welcome, parades featuring white horses and camels, and a lavish banquet at the royal palace.

In a joint ceremony, Trump and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed a series of major deals, including:

• $96 Billion Boeing Agreement: Qatar Airways will purchase 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft in what Trump called “the largest single order in Boeing’s history.”

• $38 Billion Defense Agreement: This includes investment in the Al Udeid Air Base and other military infrastructure.

• Drone Technology Contracts: Qatar will acquire drones and anti-drone systems from U.S. defense contractor Raytheon.

“This aircraft deal moves us one giant step forward,” said Trump during the signing event.

Warning to Iran

At a state dinner in Doha, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran. “We want Iran to proceed peacefully—but time is running out,” he said, cautioning that failure to reach a deal on Iran’s nuclear activities could lead to “catastrophic consequences.”

Domestic Scrutiny in the U.S.

Back home, the trip has sparked political controversy, with critics questioning whether personal interests may be influencing Trump’s diplomatic agenda.

• $400 Million Boeing Jet Gift: Reports emerged that Qatar offered Trump a luxury Boeing jet, potentially violating the U.S. Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.

• $2 Billion Crypto Deal: A crypto investment deal linked to the Trump family in the UAE has also drawn criticism.

“I’m a big crypto fan,” Trump said, “but I don’t know much about this specific deal.”

Next Stop: United Arab Emirates

Trump is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates on Thursday before returning to the United States on Friday.