Gaza: The Trump family's business interests in the Middle East

 Thursday, February 13, 2025

Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - DW Urdu - 13 February 2025) US President Donald Trump's family considers the Middle East important for fulfilling their business ambitions. Donald Trump's statements on Gaza on February 4 revived some old memories. Not only Trump but also his son-in-law Jared Kushner have expressed similar views in the past.

Trump considers this region of the Middle East important only in terms of real estate business.

While making a controversial statement about taking control of Gaza, Trump had said, "We have a wonderful opportunity. I don't want to make a joke of it, nor do I want to act in any clever way. But this 'Middle East region' can be very wonderful."

These thoughts echo an interview given by Jared Kushner at Harvard University in February 2024, when he said that the coastal area of ​​Gaza could be very important if attention is paid to increasing employment opportunities there.

Kushner added that if he thought about it from Israel's perspective, he would "relocate" the people of Gaza and then try to make peace in the area.

Trump, emphasizing this position, even said in an interview with Fox News on February 10 that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to Gaza because they would be provided with better housing elsewhere.

This shows that the Middle East is simply a matter of business interest for Trump and his family.

What are Trump's business interests in the Middle East?

The Middle East region is becoming an important location for 'The Trump Organization'. The real estate and hotel giant is run by US President Trump's sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr.

In recent years, 'The Trump Organization' has made several deals with Saudi real estate company Dar Global, which is actually owned by Saudi Arabia's Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company.

A Trump-branded luxury hotel and a golf resort are under construction in Oman, while plans for Trump Towers in Jeddah and Dubai have also been announced.

A Trump Tower was previously announced in Dubai in 2005, which was to consist of a hotel and apartments, but the project was canceled in 2011 due to the global financial crisis. However, Trump owns a golf club in Dubai.

Ties with Saudi Arabia

The Trump family's business interests with Saudi Arabia, a key US ally, are becoming stronger by the day.

In addition to Dar Global, the Trump Organization has also established close ties with LIV Golf, a controversial sports investment project in Saudi Arabia.

On the other hand, Jared Kushner's private equity firm 'Affinity Partners', which is separate from the Trump Organization, has close ties to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The PIF operates under the supervision of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The fund has invested $2 billion in Affinity Partners.

In addition, several major investors from the Gulf countries have also invested in Jared Kushner's project, including the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi's Lone Star.

Kushner has also made large investments in Israel.

Among them are Shalmo Insurance Company and Phoenix Holdings.

Could these interests cause a conflict of interest?

President Trump and his family are criticized for their extensive business interests, which have led to criticism that they cannot make impartial decisions on Middle Eastern issues.

Although Trump resigned from his business management positions after becoming president in 2016, members of his family are still active in his political campaigns.

Jared Kushner, in particular, is accused of using his White House advisory role to promote his investments in the Middle East. However, he denies this accusation.

Does Trump see Gaza as a real estate project?

Both Trump and Jared Kushner see the Gaza Strip as a potential real estate deal.

They fail to see that the area is home to two million Palestinians.

According to Trump, “People from all over the world will live here, who will turn this place into an international and incredible place. The potential in the Gaza Strip is enormous.”

The Palestinian people have expressed deep anger and outrage over Trump’s plan, while the governments of several countries have also strongly condemned Trump’s plan.

According to analysts, the plan is unrealistic and unworkable in many respects.

However, the Trump Organization's growing real estate projects in the Middle East and clear statements from Trump and Kushner themselves prove that, at least for them, this project is serious.