Trump signs $200bn Qatar deal after hailing meeting with Syria’s ‘young, attractive’ president in Middle East tour

Key Points

• End of U.S. sanctions gives Syria 'a chance for greatness', Trump says
• First meeting between U.S. and Syrian leaders in 25 years
• Trump calls Syrian president 'young, attractive guy'
• Watch: Trump wants to make deal with Iran - on three conditions
• Trump says $200 billion in deals agreed between U.S. and Qatar

Our live coverage has ended. Here's a full breakdown:

Why did Saudi Arabia roll out a lavender carpet for Trump?

Saudi Arabia welcomed Donald Trump with a lavender carpet, part of a protocol introduced in 2021 to replace the traditional red.

The lavender symbolises blooming desert wildflowers, Saudi generosity, and is a symbolic colour for the kingdom that celebrates national identity.

According to The New York Times, the lavender carpet symbolises the growth envisioned in Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy.

The carpet, bordered with traditional Al Sadu textile design created by Bedouin women, reflects Saudi heritage and is reserved for top-level state visits.

President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an arrival ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, 13 May 2025 (Associated Press)

“Lavender in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is associated with blossoming wildflowers that carpet the kingdom’s desert landscapes in the spring and is a symbol of Saudi generosity,” a 2021 report by the Saudi Press Agency says.

Jon Stewart jokes Trump is the ‘reverse Oprah’ after $400m Boeing jet gift

Jon Stewart, the host of satirical comedy series The Daily Show, has dubbed Donald Trump the “reverse Oprah”, as the US president is poised to accept a $400m (£302.8m) luxury jet from the Qatari royal family.

The “palace in the sky”, which is expected to be used as the new Air Force One for much of the rest of Trump’s term, will be donated to the Trump presidential library near the end of his time in office.

Oprah Winfrey, 71, who had an eponymous talk show from 1986 to 2011, went down in TV history in 2004 when she gifted every live audience member a Pontiac G6, uttering the now-famous phrase: “You get a car!”

Stewart, 62, contrasted Trump and Winfrey’s generosity levels on Monday’s episode (12 May) of his Comedy Central show, joking: “What? Qatar is giving us a plane that Trump gets to keep? He’s like the reverse Oprah. ‘I get a jet! … and that’s it. I get a jet, for my library.’”

The presenter continued: “Why does his library need a jet? ‘Yeah, I’m calling from Europe, and I need a book about Trump by morning. And the book must travel in the comfort and style one can only get from Qatar.’”

Trump to meet interim Syrian president before flying to Qatar

During his Gulf tour, president Donald Trump will meet Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al Sharaa, in Riyadh following a surprise announcement that the United States will lift long-standing sanctions on Syria.

Trump’s first day in the region was marked by a grand welcome and the signing of major agreements, including £450bn in Saudi investment commitments in the US and £107bn in American arms sales to the kingdom.

Syrian president, Ahmed al Sharaa (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Sharaa is in Riyadh for meetings with the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the brief encounter with Trump is seen as part of broader regional diplomacy.

Later today, Trump will travel to Doha for a state visit with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

Trump hopes Syrian government can succeed in 'keeping peace'

During the address in which he announced the U.S. would be lifting sanctions on Syria, Donald Trump said he wanted to see lasting peace in the country.

"There is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace," Trump said. "That's what we want to see in Syria."

The sanctions have been in place since 2011, dating back to the rule of Bashar Assad and the start of the Syrian civil war.

Both the Biden and Trump administrations had left the sanctions in place after Assad's fall as they sought to take the measure of Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has renounced his past affiliation with al-Qaida.

Trump announced those sanctions would be lifted in a wide-ranging address in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Tuesday.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman encouraged the president to meet with al-Sharaa while on his Gulf nations visit.

Donald Trump with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (AP)

Who is Ahmed al-Sharaa?

Formerly known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, al-Sharaa joined the ranks of al-Qaida insurgents battling U.S. forces in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion and still faces a warrant for his arrest on terrorism charges in Iraq.

The U.S. once offered $10 million for information about his whereabouts because of his links to al-Qaida.

Al-Sharaa came back to his home country of Syria after the conflict began in 2011 and led al-Qaida's branch that used to be known as the Nusra Front. He later changed the name of his group to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and cut links with al-Qaida.

Ahmed al-Sharaa (Syrian Presidency/AFP via Getty)

Trump’s agenda for Wednesday: Meeting with Syrian leader

Donald Trump will meet Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of broader meetings in Riyadh this morning, according to the Washington Post’s pool report.

That meeting will occur before the president attends a meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Later today, Trump will fly to the Qatari capital Doha, where he will participate in a state visit with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and other officials.

Trump's visit to Doha was to follow the White House's announcement that it plans to accept a luxury $400 million Boeing 747-8 plane, which would be outfitted to serve as Air Force One, as a gift from the Qataris.

While the precise details of the investments Qatar plans to announce on Wednesday were unclear, Qatar Airways was expected to announce a deal to buy around 100 jets from Boeing, according to a source familiar with the matter.

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday (EPA)

‘Why wouldn’t I accept a gift?’ stumped Trump asks amid Qatari jet furor

President Donald Trump apparently has no idea what could possibly be concerning about accepting a $400 million gift of an Air Force One replacement from Qatar, the bankroller of Hamas who might look for a favor in the future in return.

“Why wouldn’t I accept a gift?” the perplexed president asked Fox News host Sean Hannity in an interview that aired Tuesday.

The Qatari aircraft – so luxurious it reportedly has been called a “flying palace” – would be the most expensive gift ever given an American president.

Read the full story below:

Trump meets Syrian president

Donald Trump is meeting with Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.

The White House on Tuesday said the president would “say hello” to al-Sharaa before a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Riyadh this morning.

Washington Post pool and several other media outlets have reported that meeting is underway.

First meeting between U.S. and Syrian leaders in 25 years

The meeting between Donald Trump and Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa is the first time the leaders of both countries have met in 25 years.

America had once offered a $10 million reward for information about the whereabouts of al-Sharaa, a onetime insurgent then known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani.

He had joined the ranks of al-Qaida insurgents battling U.S. forces in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 and still faces a warrant for his arrest on terrorism charges in Iraq.

He later changed the name of his group and cut links with al-Qaida before they finally succeeded in overthrowing President Bashar Assad in December.

Trump and al-Sharaa meeting lasted half an hour: reports

The meeting between presidents Donald Trump and Ahmad al-Sharaa lasted a little over half an hour, according to reports.

The White House told the Washington Post that the meeting went for 33 minutes, from 10.07am to 10.40am local time.

Donald Trump met with Ahmad al-Sharaa earlier (AP/AFP via Getty Images)

Watch live: Trump meets Gulf nations leaders after lifting Syrian sanctions during Middle East visit

Donald Trump is attending a Gulf Cooperation Council summit, after meeting with the president of Syria.

Watch live:

Trump praises progress, unity in Middle East

Donald Trump is now addressing a summit of Middle East leaders at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit.

He started by praising Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Sulman, who was at the “forefront of creating a stable, peaceful, prosperous Middle East, and I have to say that I've seen such progress.”

“It's really incredible,” he continued. “I've also seen great unity in friendships.”

Trump says loyalties with Gulf allies will 'never waver', wants to do a deal with Iran.

The president has attacked the previous Biden administration’s approach to the Middle East while lauding his own relationships with the Gulf nations.

“Everybody at this table knows where my loyalties lie. Always have they'll never waver, never; and we'll stand with our friends and partners, and we'll confront the aggression that threatens us all,” he said.

Trump also reiterated that he wants to do a deal with Iran.

“I want to do something, if it's possible. But for that to happen, it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons. They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

Trump hopes for 'safety and dignity' of Palestinians

Donald Trump has praised the efforts of Gulf nation leaders to end the war in Gaza.

“My administration shares the hope of so many in this region for the future of safety and dignity of the Palestinian people,” he said.

“But that cannot happen as long as Gaza's leaders take delight in raping, torturing and murdering innocent people. Can't have it.”

U.S. President Donald Trump at the summit on Wednesday (Reuters)

End of U.S. sanctions gives Syria 'a chance for greatness', Trump says

Donald Trump says ending sanctions on Syria is a “going to be a good thing” following his meeting with the country’s president earlier this morning.

Trump said it was his “honor” to drop the sanctions, after being persuaded by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Sulman and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“It gives them a chance for greatness. The sanctions were really crippling, very powerful,” Trump said.

“And I spoke to Mohammed, and I spoke to our friend from Turkey, who we just spoke to also by phone now, but felt very strongly that this would give them a chance. It's not going to be easy anyway, [but it] gives them a good, strong chance, and it was my honor to do so.

“So we will be dropping all of the sanctions on Syria, which I think really is going to be a good thing.”

Donald Trump addressing the summit (Getty Images)

In photos: Trump meets Syria's president

Before the summit with Gulf nation leaders, President Donald Trump met with Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Donald Trump shakes hands with the Syrian leader (X/@spagov)

Al-Sharaa shakes hands with Saudi prince Mohammed bin Sulman (X/@spagov)

The leaders met ahead of a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh (X/@spagov)

A Trump Tower in Damascus part of Syrian leader's plan to woo U.S.

A Trump Tower in Damascus and U.S. access to Syrian oil and gas were among the Syrian leader’s pitch to get a meeting with Donald Trump, according to reports.

Sources close to the push told Reuters that Ahmad al-Sharaa also offered to improve relations with Israel in a bid to get face time with the U.S president.

Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader Mohammed bin Sulman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had both urged Trump to meet with al-Sharaa and relax sanctions.

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, President Donald Trump, centre, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio , third from right, meet with Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, second left, and with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second right, in Riyadh (AP)

The U.S placed sanctions on Syria when it was ruled by Bashar Assad, as the civil war began in 2011.

Trump made the surprise announcement that he would remove the sanctions in a keynote speech in Riyadh on Tuesday evening.

Jonathan Bass, an American pro-Trump activist who met al-Sharaa last month, said the Syrian leader wants business deals to help his country.

"He told me he wants a Trump Tower in Damascus. He wants peace with his neighbours. What he told me is good for the region, good for Israel," Bass told Reuters.

Trump asks Syria to improve relations with Israel, Syria offers oil and gas access

Donald Trump urged the Syrian leader to normalize diplomatic ties with Israel, while Ahmad al-Sharaa invited American companies to invest in Syria’s oil and gas.

During a half-hour meeting in Riyadh this morning, the White House said Trump also urged al-Sharaa to “deport Palestinian terrorists” and asked the Syrian president to help the U.S prevent a resurgence of terrorist group Isis.

The U.S. president urged his counterpart to sign onto the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements brokered by America to help improve diplomatic relationships beween Israel and Arab nations.

Saudi prince Mohammed bin Sulman also attended the meeting, while Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined online.

Trump said afterwards that it was the start of normalizing relations between the U.S. and Syria.

Donald Trump met with Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, right, and Saudi prince Mohammed bin Sulman, center. (X/@spagov)

Watch: Trump wants to make deal with Iran - on three conditions

President urges more Arab nations to normalise diplomatic ties with Israel

Donald Trump urged more Gulf nations to improve diplomatic ties with Israel.

Speaking at a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council - an economic alliance between Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates - the president thanked the leaders of the UAE and Bahrain for signing on to the Abraham Accords.

“I especially want to thank and congratulate the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for their vision and courage in signing the historic Abraham Accords. It was something that's a very big thing,” he said.

Donald Trump addresses the Gulf Cooperation Council (Getty Images)

The Abraham Accords, a series of agreements brokered by America to help improve diplomatic relationships between Israel and several Arab nations. So far, Trump said, four nations have signed the agreement.

“In the future, we'll continue that progress by adding more countries to the Abraham Accords,” he said.

In his earlier meeting with interim Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa, Trump also urged him to sign up to the agreements.

Trump wants an Iran deal - and Iran responds

Donald Trump has reiterated he wants a deal with Iran, but it cannot occur until several things happen.

“I want to make a deal with Iran. I want to do something, if it's possible,” he said in an address to Gulf nations leaders.

“But for that to happen, it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

Donald Trump addressing Arab nation leaders on Wednesday (AP)

Since early April, Iran and the U.S. have engaged in four rounds of talks focusing on Iran’s nuclear program which could see America lifting or reducing sanctions.

Trump has repeatedly said he believes a deal is possible, but the window is closing.

In Iran, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi called Mr Trump's remarks "deceitful" but did not directly address the US leader's call on Iran to cease support of proxy groups.

Donald Trump leaves Saudi Arabia for Qatar

Donald Trump has left Saudi Arabia after a host of meetings, travelling to the second stop of his Middle East trip: Qatar.

Shortly, he will land in the Qatari capital Doha, where he will participate in a state visit with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and other officials.

Sheikh Tamim, 44, has been in power since June 2013 after his father stepped down.

President Donald Trump speaks with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as they arrive to attend a group photo on Wednesday (AP)

Recap of Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia

The president is in the air on his way to the second stop of his three-nation tour of Gulf nations, his first official diplomatic trip this term.

Donald Trump spent less than two days in Saudi Arabia, but he covered a lot of ground. Here are the main takeaways:

• U.S. will lift sanctions on Syria to give the country a “chance for greatness”, Trump says.
• Trump met with interim Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa to begin normalising relations between the two countries.
• The U.S and Saudi Arabia signed an economic agreement, with the Saudis recommitting to investing $600 billion in the U.S. during Trump’s term.
• The Trump administration signed a $142 billion deal to supply arms to Saudi Arabia.
• Donald Trump reiterated his desire for a deal with Iran, but said Tehran would need to meet key conditions for that to happen.

US President Donald Trump poses with Gulf leaders during the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh (AFP via Getty Images)

White House press secretary details meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa

White House Press secretary Karoline Leavitt has detailed the meeting earlier today between president Donald Trump and interim Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The meeting also included Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“President Trump thanked President Erdogan and the Crown Prince for their friendship, and told President Al-Sharaa that he has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country,” she said on social media.

She then listed the requests Trump made of al-Sharaa:

1. Sign onto the Abraham Accords with Israel
2. Tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria
3. Deport Palestinian terrorists
4. Help the United States to prevent the resurgence of ISIS
5. Assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast Syria

Donald Trump appears to refuse to drink coffee during Saudi Arabia ceremony

Earlier in his Saudi Arabia visit, Donald Trump appeared to refuse to drink coffee offered to him by Saudi officials during a royal welcome ceremony.

Trump calls Syrian president 'young, attractive guy'

On the flight to Doha, president Donald Trump said he had a “great” meeting with Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Trump told reporters on Air Force One that al-Sharaa was a “young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter.”

He continued: “He’s got a real shot at holding it together. I spoke with President Erdogan, who is very friendly with him. He feels she’s got a shot of doing a good job. It’s a torn up country.”

The president also said he believed Syria would sign up to the Abraham Accords at some point, to normalise the country’s relations with Israel.

“I think they have to get themselves straightened up. I told him, ‘I hope you’re going to join when it’s straightened out.’ He said, ‘Yes.’ But they have a lot of work to do.”

Trump spoke to reporters on the flight to Doha (Reuters)

In pictures: Donald Trump arrives in Qatar

Donald Trump has arrived in Qatar, the second country in his Middle East tour.

Trump was greeted by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as he arrived on Air Force One at Hamad International Airport in Doha

U.S. President Donald Trump walks with Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani upon his arrival (REUTERS)

President Donald Trump is greeted by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim (AP)

Trump disembarks Air Force One in Qatar (AP)

Trump says there was no discussion about a Trump Tower in Syria

White House correspondent Andrew Feiberg has more from Donald Trump’s meeting with the Syrian leader:

The president's meeting with al-Sharaa came on the heels of his announcement that he would drop U.S. sanctions that had been imposed on the previous Syrian government, led by exiled dictator Bashar al-Assad.

It also followed reporting that al-Sharaa had discussed offering Trump's eponymous real estate company an opportunity to build a skyscraper in Damascus as an incentive to thaw relations.

But Trump told reporters no talks about a potential Trump Tower in the Syrian capital took place.

"We’ll have to wait a little while until things calm down, a little while with the country," he said, adding that al-Sharaa was "a real leader."

"He led a charge and he’s pretty amazing," he said.

Donald Trump on board Air Force One (Reuters)

Cybertrucks form part of presidential motorcade in Qatar

Donald Trump was welcomed to Qatar by men mounted on camels, sword dancers and an honor guard on horseback – but also, by something distinctly American.

Amid the normal armoured vehicles usually seen in such convoys, the Qataris had included Tesla Cybertrucks, with red official decals.

Cybertrucks led the motorcade (YouTube/The Independent)

Billionaire Tesla owner Elon Musk has also joined the president on his Middle East tour, meeting with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday and speaking at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum yesterday evening.

The Cybertrucks led the large motorcade from Hamad International Airport to the Amiri Diwan, the official workplace of the emir.

A Cybertruck in the motorcade (YouTube/The Independent)

Trump expects hundreds of billions of dollars in investments from Qatar

While geopolitics and security issues have been on the agenda of Donald Trump’s first official foreign visits this term, the main aim of the president’s trip to the Middle East has been to do deals.

On Tuesday he jointly announced hundreds of billions of dollars worth of deals with Saudi Arabia, including a $142 billion arms agreement.

Later today, he’s expected to announce even more investments in the U.S. following meetings with Qatari officials, the first visit to Qatar by a U.S. president in 23 years.

Donald Trump speaking with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (AFP/Getty)

It’s a shift in Trump’s approach to Qatar from his first term. In 2017 he isolated the kingdom when he lent initial support to a trade and diplomatic embargo that other Arab nations imposed on Doha, one of the worst crises Qatar had ever faced.

Gas-rich Qatar has since rehabilitated itself in the eyes of the U.S.

Qatar Airways was expected to disclose a deal to buy around 100 widebody jets from Boeing, a source familiar with the matter said.

Trump is expected to sign agreements with the emir later today.

'It didn't come up': Two contentious issues not discussed with Saudi Arabia

President Trump says two contentious issues in U.S.-Saudi relations were not on the table during his meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman during his stay in Riyadh.

During a question-and-answer session with press aboard Air Force One on the way to Qatar, Trump said he did not discuss the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour with the crown prince, who is known by his initials MBS.

Trump also said the two leaders hadn't discussed a demand from families of victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks for him to request extradition of a Saudi intelligence agent, Omar al-Bayoumi, who is alleged to have had ties to the terrorists who killed thousands by flying passenger airliners into New York's World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon.

“I know all about it. But it didn’t come up," he said.

Trump says he can either do a friendly or unfriendly deal with Iran

On the plane on his way to Qatar, the President was asked whether he was considering secondary sanctions on Iran oil exports.

Trump said: “let’s see what happens over the next week. I don’t really want to answer it because I want to see what happens over the next week.

“Hopefully they’re going to make the right decision because something’s going to happen one way or the other. Very simple. It’s going to happen one way or the other.

He continued: “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. So we’ll either do it friendly or we’ll do it very unfriendly and that won’t be pleasant.”

Trump speaking to reporters during the flight to Qatar earlier today (Getty Images)

Qatar deals clouded by $400m gift jet controversy

Donald Trump is shortly going to sign agreements with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

But his visit - the first official visit to Qatar by a sitting president - has been clouded by furore over his plan to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 as a replacement for the current Air Force One jet.

For more on that controversy, read below:

Qatar signs deal to buy Boeing jets

Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have begun a signing ceremony.

The first agreement they signed was the expected aviation agrreement, with Qatar agreeing to purchase Boeing jets.

They have now also signed a defense agreement.

Qatar's Emir says relationship with U.S. has gone to 'another level'

Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said he and Donald Trump discussed many issues in their meeting before they signed joint agreements.

“I think after signing these documents, we are going to another level of relationship between Qatar and United States,” he said.

President Donald Trump and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al Thani arrive for a signing ceremony at the Amiri Diwan, the official workplace of the emir (Getty Images)

Trump says $200 billion in deals agreed between U.S. and Qatar

Donald Trump says the two countries have signed $200 billion-worth of deals, including the “largest order of jets in the history of Boeing”.

He said that Qatar would be buying 160 jets.

“Congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there,” he said.

'We just liked each other': President lauds friendship with Emir

The president has lauded his relationship with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

“But I just want to thank you for the friendship, for the longtime friendship, and again, long before any of this stuff, we just liked each other. It's not a bad thing. That's a good thing. But we always had a very special relationship,” Donald Trump said.

“We've been friends for a long time, and this is an outstanding man. He's a great man, and we're going to help each other.”

Trump then said some of America’s military equipment could be on display at an airshow on Thursday.

The president and the emir of Qatar (REUTERS)

Pricey pen seals the deal between Qatar and U.S.

White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg noticed a detail during the signing ceremony:

After the Emir and POTUS each signed both copies of the agreement, the Emir offered Trump the pen he used to sign.

The pen appeared to be a Mont Blanc 149 fountain pen, which retails around $1,000-$1,100 usually.

Trump, who used his usual black Sharpie marker for his signatures, accepted and held up the pen for the cameras but then put it back on the table and appeared to put the Sharpie back in his pocket.

Donald Trump with the pen in question (REUTERS)

'This room is the real deal': Trump admires Emir's marble

Donald Trump appears taken with the interior design of the Amiri Diwan, the emir’s official workplace.

During ceremonies, the president has twice complemented Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s use of marble.

“Take a look at this room. This room is the real deal,” he said after the signing ceremony.

“That's called white marble. It's very hard to buy, believe me, I know very well, because you try to buy it, you can't buy it, and you just take a look at what you have here.”

He continued: “It's been incredible, what what you've been able to build as a nation, and we're with you all the way, and you know that.”

President Trump admired the Emir’s interior design (REUTERS)

$200b Boeing deal and defense cooperation agreement signed in Qatar

A little earlier president Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed two agreements, taking the relationship between the two countries to “another level”, the Emir said.

The first deal was a $200 billion deal for Qatar to buy 160 Boeing jets. Trump said it was the largest single order in the company’s history.

The other document was a defense agreement, the details of which have not yet been revealed by the White House.

President Donald Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the signing ceremony (AP)

Watch: Trump’s Qatar visit off to flying start with military jet escort

How Trump’s tariffs affected property deals across the world

Global property markets have cooled in recent months as businesses grapple with the uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, according to real estate group Savills.

While some of these tariffs have been rolled back following recent trade agreements with the UK and China, easing trade tensions, lingering uncertainty about future policy decisions continues to affect businesses.

Anna Wise reports:

UK cannot afford ‘ostrich strategy’ as US withdraws from European defence – MP

The UK cannot afford to adopt an “ostrich strategy” as the US withdraws from guaranteeing European security, the chairman of a parliamentary committee has warned.

Matt Western, who leads the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, urged the Government on Wednesday to reassess the UK’s reliance on the US as it prepares to publish a new national security strategy.

In a letter to senior Cabinet minister Pat McFadden, Mr Western said previous strategies had been “underpinned by loadbearing assumptions of America’s place in the world” and commitment to international security.

WATCH: AOC gets into shouting match with Republicans over Medicaid cuts

How Trump’s aid cuts are inflicting double the pain on LGBT+ people

At a drop-in centre on Uganda’s border with Kenya, along a busy trucking route, groups of people gather to play Ludo and pick up their HIV medication. It’s a safe space for people from LGBT+ communities who have been turned away or harassed at other facilities.

But the centre is now quiet – three-quarters of its staff have had to be laid off after cuts to US aid. Stocks of drugs are running low and most of its regular clients have stopped showing up. Since January, when Donald Trump came into office for the second time, the centre has lost its funding.

Donald Trump Jr slams report comparing him to Hunter Biden over business dealings

Amid accusations over the nature of the Trump family’s business connections in the Middle East and the apparent gift of a jumbo jet to the U.S. by Qatar, Donald Trump Jr. has reacted furiously to a report that accuses him of cashing in on his father’s presidency through the dealings of a small venture capital firm.

The report by Business Insider makes a stark comparison between the president’s eldest son and the son of his predecessor, Hunter Biden, which Trump Jr. takes particular exception to.

Oliver O’Connell has the story:

Lions, horses and things of value: Other gifts given to US presidents as Trump faces heat over $400m jet

It was a name he had given to a donkey that had arrived at Mount Vernon in November 1774, as a present from King Charles III of Spain to signify the “friendship between the two nations,” according to the nonprofit that oversees Washington’s estate.

Live: President Trump participates in Qatari State Dinner

WATCH: Health Secretary RFK Jr: People shouldn't be taking medical advice from me

Trump arrives at Qatari palace

Trump has arrived at the Qatari Lusail palace for the state dinner.

The motorcade passed buildings lit up in red and white, and one of the buildings had the American flag lit up on it.

It also passed the Lusail stadium, which was built for the 2022 World Cup.

The drive to the palace was lined with palm trees and American and Qatari flags. About two dozen camels were grouped together, and horses were spread out along the driveway.

Will anyone show up to Turkey peace talks? What Trump, Zelensky and Putin have said

The fate of potentially groundbreaking Ukraine peace talks hangs in the balance as of Wednesday afternoon, as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin hold back on confirming their attendance.

Neither president has ruled out showing up to the talks beginning in Istanbul on Thursday. Both Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky say their attendance depends on that of the Russian leader - but the Kremlin has not yet revealed whether he will join talks.

In pictures: Trump greets Qatari delegation

Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani greet delegations prior to a state dinner (AP)

Trump greets Qatari delegations with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani prior to a state dinner (AP)

Piers Morgan seen at state dinner

Piers Morgan was spotted alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the state dinner in Qatar.

(Getty)

Donald Trump refuses to drink coffee during Saudi Arabia ceremony

The US president, who arrived for his landmark Middle East trip on Tuesday (13 May), was given a lavish welcome by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, with national anthems of both nations played.

Lucy Leeson has more:

Trump biographer claims president and Melania are ‘separated’ and do not live by traditional marriage arrangements

Biographer Michael Wolff has claimed that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are essentially “separated” following reports that she has spent less than two weeks at the White House since the president’s inauguration.

Wolff, who has authored several books highly critical of the president over the years, made the remarks Tuesday on The Daily Beast Podcast.

“They clearly do not in any way inhabit a marriage as we define marriage,” Wolff said in response to host Joanna Coles’s question as to what extent the first lady is involved in Trump’s second administration.

Trump greets Qatari and U.S. delegations before state dinner

In the atrium of the Lusail Palace, Trump looked over at the press and spread his arms out.

“Nice house! Nice house!” he said.

Then he and the Qatari leader walked over to greet a receiving line of people, which stretched into a hallway.

There was a large number of people in traditional Qatari dress, but also a significant number of people in Western suits.

Among them was Chris Ruddy, the founder of Newsmax; Antonio Gracias, a close friend of Elon Musk’s; and the British journalist Piers Morgan.

(AFP/Getty)

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was also seen, along with Fox News anchor Bret Baier and Patrick Soon-Shiong, the medical investor and Los Angeles Times owner.

Elon Musk arrived more than 30 minutes into the greetings and cut in line to get to the front. Steve Schwarzman, the CEO of Blackstone, seemed to come with Musk.

Steve Witkoff, Stephen Miller, Pete Hegseth, and Scott Bessent went through the line as did several White House officials, including Susie Wiles, James Blair, Karoline Leavitt, and Margo Martin.

Towards the end of the line was Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. The organization handed the World Cup to Qatar in 2022 and awarded it to the United States for 2026.

“Thank you very much, everybody,” Trump said to the press before departing.

Trump marvels at wealth of his Arab hosts while he eyes White House and Air Force One upgrades

Donald Trump is the most powerful and famous person on the planet, at the helm of the biggest economy and the strongest military.

But on his trip to the Middle East this week, the American president is sounding more than a little envious of his Arab hosts.

He admired the marble in the Qatari palace as “perfecto” and “very hard to buy.” He praised the “gleaming marvels” of the skyline in Saudi Arabia. And he groused about the “much smaller” and “much less impressive” plane that is Air Force One.

Chris Megerian and Zeke Miller report:

Trump administration ends protections for Afghans in US by citing tourism under Taliban rule

Donald Trump’s administration is pointing to an increase in tourism under Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to justify the cancellation of humanitarian protections for more than 11,000 Afghans in the United States.

On Monday, the administration announced plans to strip temporary legal status to roughly 11,700 Afghans who fled the country following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, which led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in the wake of the devastating years-long war.

Marjorie Taylor Greene joins calls for Derek Chauvin to be pardoned

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has called on President Donald Trump to issue a federal pardon to Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer convicted over the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

“I strongly support Derek Chauvin being pardoned and released from prison,” the MAGA congresswoman posted on X on Wednesday, adding her voice to a growing MAGA push for his release. “George Floyd died of a drug overdose.”

‘He’s playing a trick’: Sceptical Ukraine tries to beat Putin at his own game in peace talks

With only a few hours to go until the start of what was slated as the first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in years - talks that Vladimir Putin himself called - it still wasn’t clear if the Russian president would actually show up.

For weeks he has dismissed Ukraine’s proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire - backed by the US and Europe - to allow both sides to start negotiations on how to end Europe’s biggest war since World War Two.

Instead, the Russian leader challenged Volodymyr Zelensky to direct talks in Istanbul “without any preconditions” on Thursday. If they go ahead, it would be the first meeting between the leaders since December 2019.

After brief initial reticence - and a few goading social media posts by Donald Trump - the Ukrainian leader called Moscow’s bluff by confirming that he will indeed attend in person.

Trump says 'non-friendly' course for Iran is 'violent'

During the remarks at the state dinner, Trump made some comments regarding Iran.

“The non-friendly is a violent course and I don’t want that… They have to get moving. They have to make that decision. It’s their decision,” said the president.

Trump has previously said he wants a deal with Iran to stop it from getting a nuclear weapon.

He appealed to Qatar for help.

“I hope you can help me with the Iran situation,” he said. “It’s a perilous situation, and we want to do the right thing. We want to do ... something that's going to save maybe millions of lives. Because things like that get started, and they get out of control. I've seen it over and over again. They go to war, and things get out of control, and we're not going to let that happen.”

The Emir spoke about making massive investments in the U.S., he mentioned Qatar’s trade deficit, and said the country likes “drill baby drill,” a phrase Trump has used as a campaign slogan.

“Our newly announced projects and investments will amount to $1.2 trillion, and these days, I'm so grateful for the trade deficit we have with you, because the surplus swings in your favor. That's also why Scott Bessent is chill,” he said.

“I prayed for your recovery and your safety,” the Emir said regarding the assassination attempt against Trump last summer.

He also requested that Trump use American “leverage” to end the fighting in Gaza.

He commended Trump for picking staff who are “loyal to your country and loyal to your cause.”

“For all of us in the room, this stop was no mystery,” he said. “Yes, the United States is a superpower, boasting the largest economy and military force in history. Meanwhile, Qatar is one of the smallest countries with one of the smallest populations, and as the Americans in the room know, D.C. is almost 7000 miles away from here, but my friends, small nations have their own superpowers, resilience, nimbleness — and we are a powerful agent for peace precisely because of our size.”

“This is a home. This is a serious home,” Trump said of the palace.

“It’s just a perfect evening,” he added.

“Your country now stands as a hub [of] global commerce, acts as a key diplomatic force on the world stage, and has even hosted the World Cup. People said, Oh, the World Cup,” Trump said.

“He’s coming to the United States. Great job you do Gianni,” the president said of the FIFA president.