On May 13, 2025, President Donald Trump embarked on a historic Middle East tour, marking his first major international trip since beginning his second term. His visit to Saudi Arabia was met with a lavish royal welcome, where he announced plans to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, a move aimed at fostering stability in the war-torn nation.
Key Moments from Trump’s Middle East Trip
Trump’s visit to Riyadh included a $600 billion Saudi-U.S. investment agreement, covering sectors like artificial intelligence, energy, and defense. The deal featured a $142 billion arms package, nearly double Saudi Arabia’s annual defense budget. Trump praised the partnership, stating that it would “give Syria a chance at greatness” following the collapse of the Assad regime.
Trump also met with business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, to discuss technology investments. His remarks about U.S. trade relations signaled a potential shift in tariff policies, particularly regarding China.
Approval Ratings and Domestic Concerns
Back in the U.S., Trump saw a slight uptick in approval ratings, rising to 45% as of mid-May. However, concerns about a recession remained high, with 69% of Americans expressing economic worries.
May 13, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending high-stakes diplomacy, economic negotiations, and domestic challenges. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape global alliances and navigate political scrutiny.