In a recent announcement, the Trump Organization unveiled plans to develop a luxury Trump Tower in Saudi Arabia. The new tower, set to be built in Jeddah, will be developed in collaboration with Dar Global, the international arm of Saudi developer Dar Al Arkan.
If completed, this project would mark the Trump Organization’s first major venture in Saudi Arabia. Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, expressed excitement about expanding their presence in the Middle East and bringing the Trump standard of luxury to the region.
Dar Global stated that the project will target the luxury Saudi Arabian market and international investors. This comes just days after the Trump Organization and Dar Global revealed a $500 million Trump International hotel complex in Oman.
This five-star hotel complex, scheduled to open in December 2028, will feature a nightclub, golf course, and members-only club. Dar Al Arkan has agreed to use the Trump name and logo under license for this hotel, which is not owned by the Trump Organization.
However, concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest with the Trump Organization’s continued pursuit of foreign business projects, particularly in the Middle East. Donald K. Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington highlighted national security, corruption, and constitutional concerns regarding these developments.
A 2023 analysis by CREW found that Trump earned at least $9.6 million from Middle Eastern countries during his presidency. The Trump Organization, owned by a private trust with former President Trump as the beneficiary, is operated by his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
Furthermore, the Trump Organization was recently fined $1.6 million for a decade-long tax fraud scheme in New York. Two Trump entities were convicted of 17 felonies, including tax fraud and falsifying business records. The Trump campaign has not responded to requests for comment on these matters.
In a separate development, Jared Kushner’s investment firm reportedly secured a $2 billion investment from the Saudi royal fund. Kushner, the former president’s son-in-law who advised on foreign policy during the Trump administration, is now under investigation by Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden for potential conflicts of interest and counterintelligence risks related to investments from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern governments.
