Trump’s Golf Diplomacy: How His Saudi Ties Benefit His Business

In his first month back in office, Donald Trump made sweeping changes to federal agencies, fired thousands of government workers, and signed dozens of executive orders. Amidst this flurry of activity, he also took time to mediate between two rival golf leagues: the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. If successful, the deal would directly benefit Trump’s family business, which owns and operates golf courses worldwide. This move is yet another example of Trump leveraging the presidency for personal financial gain.

Trump’s Role in PGA-LIV Golf Talks

On February 20, Trump hosted a White House meeting with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, LIV Golf chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan, and golf legend Tiger Woods. This marked his second such meeting in a month involving PGA officials and Saudi investors. Just a day before, Trump attended a Miami conference organized by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

While Trump’s executive actions dominate the headlines, his involvement in golf diplomacy illustrates his transactional style of governance. It also underscores how foreign governments, particularly Saudi Arabia, can exploit his presidency for their own benefit. Trump often claims to be making deals for America, but his close ties with Saudi leaders suggest his primary focus is on advancing his family’s business interests.

Saudi Investments in Trump’s Business

During Trump’s first term, the Trump Organization’s dealings with Saudi Arabia raised serious conflict-of-interest concerns. Saudi government lobbyists spent more than $270,000 at Trump’s Washington hotel, and now, with no legal guardrails in place, the Trump family is expanding its business ties in the kingdom.

In December, a month after Trump’s re-election, the Trump Organization announced new Saudi real estate projects, including a Trump Tower in Riyadh and a $530 million residential development in Jeddah. These are branding deals with Dar Global, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Dar Al Arkan. While technically a private company, Dar Al Arkan relies on Saudi government contracts and the goodwill of Crown Prince Mohammed.

After the January 6 Capitol riot, Trump lost multiple U.S.-based real estate partnerships. Saudi Arabia, however, remained a lifeline, securing new deals for his brand. LIV Golf, funded by the Saudi PIF, has since hosted tournaments at Trump-owned courses in Washington, Miami, and New Jersey, injecting millions into his business. This came after the PGA of America pulled a 2022 tournament from Trump’s New Jersey course due to his role in the insurrection.

Trump, Saudi Arabia, and the Khashoggi Assassination

Trump’s deep ties to Saudi Arabia go beyond business. His administration shielded Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from repercussions following the brutal 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite a U.S. intelligence report confirming the crown prince’s role in the assassination, Trump refused to act. He later boasted to journalist Bob Woodward, “I saved his ass,” referring to how he protected Prince Mohammed from congressional sanctions.

In return, Saudi Arabia has rewarded Trump and his inner circle. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior adviser, secured a $2 billion investment from the Saudi PIF just six months after leaving the White House. The deal was approved despite PIF advisors warning of Kushner’s lack of experience in private equity. Internal documents revealed that the investment was more about securing a “strategic relationship” with Kushner than financial returns.

Trump’s Presidency for Profit

Trump’s presidency has blurred the lines between governance and personal business. By brokering golf agreements and securing real estate deals tied to foreign governments, he is directly profiting from his position. His ongoing Saudi business ventures and personal negotiations raise serious ethical concerns about how he uses the White House for self-enrichment.

Despite past scrutiny, Trump continues to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s financial backing, cementing a transactional relationship that prioritizes personal gain over national interest. As his presidency unfolds, his Saudi connections—and their impact on U.S. foreign policy—will remain under the microscope.