Trump Strikes Major Qatar Deals: $600B Investment, Boeing Planes, and a New Era of U.S. Relations

Trump signs historic deals in Qatar, including sales of Boeing Jets and $600 billion investment in the U.S.

The latest foreign visit by President Donald Trump sent ripples across the globe-and not just because of the red carpet. On May 14, 2025, Trump inked a string of major economic and defense agreements with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reaffirming the U.S.-Qatar alliance with new Boeing aircraft purchases, MQ-9 drone sales, and a headline-making $600 billion Qatari investment into the U.S. economy.

The ceremony, which took place at Doha’s Amiri Diwan, marks a sharp pivot from an earlier stance by Trump in 2017, when he accused Qatar of funding terrorism. Today, he hailed the Gulf nation as a “longtime friend” and praised the Emir for elevating U.S.-Qatar relations “to another level.”

What’s in the Deal?

Here’s what came out of Trump’s diplomatic playbook this week:

• Qatar is buying new Boeing jets to extend its national fleet.
• Intent to buy U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper drones, a high-profile military tech pact.
• An investment pledge of $600 billion into the U.S. economy that is reportedly focused on infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors.
• New plans for a Trump Organization luxury golf resort in Qatar, through a partnership with Qatari Diar.

It’s a striking demonstration of all that is diplomacy, money, and optics rolled into one photo op.

A Free Jet for Trump?

The more contentious details emerge, including the reportedly offered Qatari royal jet as a temporary Air Force One replacement. While the Trump team hasn’t confirmed acceptance, the optics have triggered bipartisan concern back home. Critics argue it may raise ethics and security issues, while Trump allies insist it’s a practical fix given Boeing’s delayed delivery of the new presidential fleet.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I am concerned about the president’s safety. Qatar has a varied reputation, including past relations with Hamas.

Trump brushed off the criticism, saying, “The American people care about results—and that’s exactly what I’m delivering.”

Flashback: From Accusations to Alliance

In 2017, Trump called Qatar a terror funder. Now, on his watch, Qatar is one of America’s most stalwart non-NATO allies, helping to broker deals across the Middle East, from the release of U.S. hostages to cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Qatar is also host to Al Udeid Air Base, a cornerstone of U.S. Central Command operations in the region.

Why It Matters

This is not about planes or politics, per se. With the 2024 presidential election behind him, Trump is positioning himself as a global dealmaker once more-and one who delivers economic wins in quick time.

Critics see opportunism. Supporters see strategy. But the economic impact – both in job creation and defense manufacturing – is already being touted as a post-pandemic jolt for American industry.

What’s Next?

Expect follow-ups on:

• Congressional scrutiny over Air Force One jet swap
• Implementation timelines for Qatar’s U.S. investments
• Defense industry reactions to the MQ-9 drone sales
• Further diplomatic agreements as Trump continues his international tour

For now with the deals struck with Qatar, what is clear is that Trump isn’t just rebuilding alliances – he’s monetizing them.