As Donald J. Trump prepares for his second term, the Trump family has been actively expanding its business empire, intertwining their commercial ventures with political engagements. Recent announcements from the Trump Organization highlight a strategic push into new markets, particularly focusing on international deals that leverage Trump’s upcoming presidential status.
At a recent news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump introduced Hussain Sajwani of DAMAC Properties, signaling a significant continuation of business ties with Middle Eastern partners. DAMAC, which previously collaborated with the Trump family to develop a golf course in Dubai, is now planning to invest billions in U.S. data centers with the aid of federal government support. This move not only bolsters Trump’s business interests but also aligns with broader geopolitical strategies involving U.S.-Middle East relations. This intertwining of business and politics has raised eyebrows regarding conflicts of interest, as it blurs the lines between Trump’s role as a public servant and a businessman.
Further, the Trump family’s involvement with LIV Golf, a league funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, underscores another significant deal. LIV Golf plans to host tournaments at Trump’s Doral resort in Miami, continuing a lucrative relationship that started in 2022. This not only fuels the Trump resorts’ international profile but also injects substantial funds into Trump’s business portfolio from Saudi sources, a country with which Trump has had a complex diplomatic relationship.
Eric Trump’s presence at the Mar-a-Lago event also highlighted the family’s ongoing projects in the Middle East. Dar Al Arkan, another Saudi-based real estate developer with close governmental ties, is set to expand its Trump-branded projects in Jeddah and Dubai. This development comes alongside Jared Kushner’s announcement of securing an additional $1.5 billion from Middle Eastern investors for his private equity firm, further entrenching the Trump-Kushner financial interests in the region.
These deals are not just about expanding business but also about setting a stage where the Trump family can benefit from Trump’s political influence. Critics argue that these business activities could lead to conflicts of interest, especially as Trump gears up for governance. The ethical implications are significant, with concerns over how these business relationships might influence U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly in the Middle East.
On the home front, the Trump family’s business ventures are also making headlines. Steve Witkoff, in partnership with the Trump Organization, is involved with a new crypto company, World Liberty Financial, which could see further integration into Trump’s business ecosystem, given his interest in cryptocurrency and his history of leveraging technology for profit.
The continuation of these business dealings during Trump’s presidency term raises questions about the separation of personal business from public duty. While supporters might view these moves as savvy business acumen, critics see it as an exploitation of political power for personal gain. This scenario is particularly poignant given Trump’s upcoming sentencing for a felony conviction in New York, where the judge has hinted at leniency, which might be perceived by some as another instance of Trump leveraging his status.
The intertwining of Trump’s political and business lives has been a topic of much debate. Posts on X reflect a polarized view, with some users lauding the Trump family’s ability to “get shit done” while others decry these moves as part of a broader “pay to play” scheme, hinting at corruption and ethical breaches.
