5 Key Takeaways from Donald Trump’s First Major Foreign Trip to the Middle East

In 2017, President Donald Trump embarked on his first major foreign trip, beginning with a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia. This choice — the first time a U.S. president made the Kingdom his inaugural international stop — sent strong political signals and marked a defining moment in Trump’s foreign policy strategy. From multi-billion-dollar deals to redefining U.S. alliances, the trip set the tone for the administration’s approach to the Middle East.

Here are five major takeaways from Trump’s landmark visit to the region:

1. A Strong Pivot Toward Sunni Arab States — and Away from Iran

Trump’s Middle East tour kicked off with a clear geopolitical message: the United States was firmly siding with Sunni Arab powers, particularly Saudi Arabia and its allies, in their rivalry with Iran. In his speech to Muslim leaders in Riyadh, Trump labeled Iran as a key sponsor of terrorism and urged Arab states to isolate Tehran.

This hardline stance was a significant departure from the Obama administration, which had pursued the Iran nuclear deal and sought more balanced relations. Trump’s message was simple and direct: America stands with its traditional allies — and against Iran’s regional ambitions.

2. A Historic $110 Billion Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia

One of the headline moments of the trip was the signing of a massive arms agreement worth $110 billion, with future commitments totaling up to $350 billion over 10 years. The deal was touted as a boost to U.S. defense contractors and a signal of America’s commitment to Saudi security.

While the White House pitched it as a win-win — job creation in the U.S. and enhanced regional security — critics warned it could escalate conflicts, particularly in war-torn Yemen, where Saudi-led coalition forces were already involved in a devastating military campaign.

3. An Attempt to Rebrand Trump on the Global Stage

Trump’s tone during the trip was noticeably different from his usual combative style. In Riyadh, he delivered a more measured and scripted speech, avoiding controversial phrases like “radical Islamic terrorism” — a departure from his campaign trail language.

This diplomatic shift was seen as an effort to rebrand Trump as a global leader and statesman, capable of rallying international coalitions and engaging respectfully with Muslim-majority nations. The carefully choreographed visit included lavish receptions and moments of symbolism, including the now-famous glowing orb photo with Gulf leaders.

4. Promotion of a New Regional Coalition Against Extremism

Trump used his platform in Riyadh to call for a coalition of Muslim nations to combat extremism — an initiative framed as a regional responsibility, not just an American one. The message was clear: “Drive them out,” he urged, referring to extremists, terrorists, and their supporters.

The proposal included the establishment of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Saudi Arabia, and discussions around forming a “Middle East Strategic Alliance.” However, these initiatives faced skepticism, as tensions and rivalries between regional powers often undermine such multilateral efforts.

5. Silence on Human Rights and Democratic Reform

One glaring omission in Trump’s speeches and meetings was any mention of human rights, democracy, or political freedoms. In contrast to President Obama’s 2009 Cairo speech — which emphasized reform, inclusion, and the empowerment of civil society — Trump opted for a purely transactional approach.

This “America First” foreign policy focused on security, economic deals, and shared threats rather than values. While this approach pleased authoritarian allies, it raised concerns among human rights advocates and signaled a departure from long-standing American support for democratic ideals in the region.

Conclusion: A New Era in U.S.-Middle East Relations

Donald Trump’s first major foreign trip reshaped America’s role in the Middle East — favoring strongmen over reformers, military deals over diplomatic nuance, and economic partnerships over human rights concerns. Whether this strategy brought long-term stability is still debated, but one thing is clear: the trip was a bold reassertion of traditional alliances and a dramatic shift from the previous administration’s doctrine.