US President Donald Trump’s Middle East policy, marked by personal ties and transactional diplomacy, has reshaped regional alliances and drawn criticism for sidelining institutional frameworks.
Personal Connections Over Diplomacy
Trump’s administration has prioritized personal relationships and financial interests over traditional diplomatic channels, according to a 2025 analysis by Arabcenterdc. Key figures like Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and informal advisor, have played central roles in securing billions in Gulf investments. Overseas investors, including from Saudi Arabia, account for 99 percent of the $6.16 billion managed by Affinity Partners, the fund Kushner founded. A 49-percent stake in World Liberty Financial, co-founded by Trump and Witkoff family members, was recently acquired for $500 million by UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, sparking speculation about quid pro quo arrangements.
The White House has also weakened institutional structures like the National Security Council (NSC) and State Department, which were supposed to provide strategic guidance. This shift reflects a broader trend of “neo-royalism,” where policy decisions are made by a closed circle of elites rather than through formal state mechanisms, as described by scholars in the same analysis.
Unpredictability and Strategic Shifts
While the administration initially sought to roll back Obama’s policies, it has lacked a coherent long-term strategy. This unpredictability has raised concerns about US reliability as a global leader, with analyst Max Boot warning that the world needs a significant degree of predictability from the leader of the free world.
Despite this, Trump’s 2025 Middle East tour signaled a pivot toward strengthening ties with Gulf allies. He praised Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE for their modern miracle the Arabian way,
rejecting what he called the “neo-cons” responsible for past military interventions. His rhetoric marked a departure from predecessors like Biden, who tied US support to human rights, and Bush, whose wars in Afghanistan and Iraq faced sharp criticism. In the end, the so-called nation builders wrecked far more nations than they built,
Trump declared in Riyadh, framing his approach as a move toward realism and restraint.
Economic Deals and Regional Alliances
Trump’s focus on economic diplomacy extended to efforts to broker a nuclear deal with Iran, where he stated, I have never believed in having permanent enemies.
However, his administration also threatened military action if negotiations failed, highlighting contradictions in his peace through strength
doctrine. Meanwhile, attempts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine faltered, with Trump’s outreach to Vladimir Putin in Istanbul yielding no progress.
Unresolved Conflicts and Future Outlook
Despite Trump’s emphasis on deals, key conflicts remain unresolved. The Gaza ceasefire agreement, negotiated by Kushner and Steve Witkoff, has failed to halt Israeli military operations, which have killed over 1,200 Palestinians. Humanitarian aid promised under the deal has yet to materialize, while the White House has not formally renounced the plan. The “Gaza Riviera” vision, which envisions private redevelopment of the Strip, continues to be pushed by figures tied to the so-called Board of Peace.
The administration’s approach has also drawn scrutiny for its impact on regional stability. As Trump’s policies take shape, the question remains: will his transactional style foster lasting peace, or further entrench the very conflicts it seeks to resolve?
