How Trump’s Use of Charm in the Middle East Signals a U.S. Strategy Pivot

Flattery, pageantry and big deals define Trump’s Middle East tour, hinting at a U.S. pivot to personal diplomacy with Arab strongmen – & raising questions about what it signals for American strategy.

President Trump at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. Photo from the White House X account.

Flattery and Fanfare in the Gulf

President Trump’s Middle East charm campaign was on full display as he toured Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. In Riyadh he gushed to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, “I like you too much,” and surprised everyone by announcing an end to U.S. sanctions on Syria.

Gulf monarchs returned the affection with a lavish welcome – jet fighter escorts, camel parades, and promises of vast new investments in the U.S.. Trump touted hundreds of billions in deals and heaped praise on his hosts, leaving analysts debating what this relationship signals for U.S. strategy.

Many Saudis cheered the visit. Supporters in Riyadh donned “Trump 2028” caps and called him a “straight shooter” who shares their values, according to the New York Times.

“From way back, I feel like he gets us,” one admirer said of Trump’s conservative rhetoric and family business style.

Not everyone was impressed – some youth grumbled about his policies or simply about America itself – but the overall reception was enthusiastic.

Curious what’s driving Trump’s “bromance diplomacy,” as the Wall Street Journal calls it – and what it means for the Middle East?

Our Pro Brief below unpacks the strategic calculations, regional reactions and long-term implications. Join now as a paid subscriber to keep reading and support independent analysis.