According to Fox News, President Donald Trump just shook hands with Qatar’s emir, and the deals they signed are turning heads. In Doha, on Wednesday, Trump and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inked agreements boosting U.S.-Qatar ties, but not without raising eyebrows over a potential Qatari jet for Air Force One. Here’s the scoop on a story that’s got patriots cheering and skeptics squirming.
Trump’s Doha visit saw agreements for Qatar to buy Boeing aircraft, a letter of intent for MQ-9 Reaper drones, and vague “cooperation” pacts. These deals, signed at the emir’s swanky Amiri Diwan, signal a deeper U.S.-Qatar bond. It’s a far cry from 2017, when Trump called Qatar a terrorist funder—guess time heals all wounds when there’s money on the table.
Let’s rewind to 2017: Trump accused Qatar of bankrolling terror “at a very high level.” Fast forward to 2025, and he’s cozying up to the same emir he once slammed. Actions have consequences, but so does pragmatism—Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base hosts U.S. troops, making it a strategic necessity.
Qatar’s no small player, hosting one of America’s biggest Middle East bases. Designated a major non-NATO ally in 2022 under Biden, Qatar’s been flexing its diplomatic muscle. From brokering Israel-Hamas talks to freeing American hostages, they’re playing the good guy, conveniently, just as Trump signs these deals.
Speaking of hostages, Qatar’s been busy. On Monday, they helped secure the release of American Edan Alexander from Hamas. Back in March, they aided in freeing George Glezmann from the Taliban—impressive, but let’s not forget who they’re cozy with when the cameras are off.
“Qatar is not, in my opinion, a great ally,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla..., said Tuesday. He’s worried about Trump’s safety, pointing fingers at Qatar’s Hamas ties. Scott’s not wrong—Hamas isn’t exactly the neighbor you invite to a barbecue, and Qatar’s been known to write them checks.
Now, about that Qatari jet offer for Air Force One—it’s got bipartisan hackles up. Reports suggest Qatar’s royal family might loan a plane to replace the aging presidential jet. Accepting a foreign gift like that? Smells like a PR disaster waiting to happen.
Trump’s team hasn’t confirmed the jet deal, but the chatter’s loud. A free plane from a nation once accused of funding terror? That’s the kind of optics that make MAGA supporters clutch their red hats.
Meanwhile, the emir’s all smiles. “I had a great conversation with Trump,” Sheikh Tamim said Wednesday, claiming the agreements elevate U.S.-Qatar ties. Sure, but when your country’s bankrolling luxury golf resorts for the Trump Organization, it’s hard to call that diplomacy—it’s business.
Oh, right—the Trump Organization’s got skin in the game. They signed a deal with Qatari Diar, a state-backed real estate firm, for a luxury golf resort in Qatar. Nothing screams “conflict of interest” like mixing presidential deals with family business, but that’s Trump’s brand: bold and unapologetic. Qatar’s not just about resorts and jets—they’re deep in peace talks. An Israeli delegation hit Doha on Tuesday to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage swap. Qatar’s playing mediator, but their Hamas connections make you wonder whose side they’re on.
Back to the drones: Qatar’s intent to buy MQ-9 Reapers is a big win for U.S. defense contractors. These aren’t cheap toys—each drone’s a multimillion-dollar beast. It’s a boon for American jobs, but tying our defense industry to Qatar’s wallet feels like a gamble.
Al Udeid Air Base remains the elephant in the room. It’s a critical hub for U.S. Central Command, hosting thousands of American troops. Qatar knows it’s their ace card—without it, these deals might not look so rosy. Trump’s 2017 words still echo: Qatar’s a “funder of terrorism at a very high level.” Yet here we are, signing deals and shaking hands. Geopolitics isn’t a morality play—it’s a chess game, and Trump’s playing to win, even if it means holding his nose.
So, what’s the takeaway? Trump’s Qatar deals are a masterclass in realpolitik—Boeing gets a boost, drones get sold, and U.S. troops keep their base. But with a Qatari jet looming and Hamas in the background, this alliance feels like dancing with a devil who’s got a great tailor.
