Trump's new friendly stance with Qatar: From aggression to alliance, what are the reasons behind it?

Doha: US President Donald Trump, who was known for his aggressive stance towards Qatar in his first term, is now moving towards an unprecedented strategic partnership with the Gulf country. The recent landmark $1.2 trillion economic agreement and $40 billion military technology deal in Doha have created a stir in global diplomacy. Trump praised Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as a "great leader" and met US troops at Al Udeid Air Base. What changed to bring Trump so close to Qatar? Let's look at the facts, causes and effects of this policy change.

Tension in first term: Trump's aggression on Qatar

The US relationship with Qatar remained tense during Trump's first term (2017-2021). In 2017, when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt imposed a diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar accusing it of supporting terrorism, Trump openly supported it. He accused Qatar of “fostering extremism” in a series of tweets, causing a rift in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This was unusual for US foreign policy, as Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, where 10,000 US troops are stationed.

However, Trump’s aggressive rhetoric was soon softened by the US State and Defense ministries. The ministries emphasized Qatar’s “counter-extremism role” and “Gulf unity.” In 2021, the Biden administration granted Qatar the status of a major non-NATO ally, laying the foundation for better relations.

A new chapter in the second term: Doha visit and economic deal

On 14 May 2025, Trump arrived in Doha, where he was given a grand welcome by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim. This was the first official visit by a US President to Qatar. Trump signed a $1.2 trillion economic deal with Qatar, which includes the purchase of US military technology worth $40 billion. The White House termed it the “Trump effect” and said the deal is “historic” for the US economy and jobs.

Trump met US troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha and described the Emir of Qatar as a “tall, handsome and wise” leader. The Qatari Defense Ministry called the deal a “new era of strategic partnership”.

Reasons for getting closer to Qatar

Economic benefits and ‘America First’ policy: Trump’s policy has always been focused on economic and strategic benefits. Qatar’s $1.2 trillion investment and military deal promises an economic boom for the US. Qatar had already invested $185 billion in the US in 2017, and now this deal is even bigger than that.

1. Changing equations in the Middle East: Trump promoted unity in the Gulf countries by bringing Saudi Arabia and Qatar on one platform. Trump described the friendship between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Emir of Qatar as “like-minded”. This move is part of the strategy to reduce Iran's influence and strengthen the Abraham Accords.
2. Qatar's mediation in Syria and Hamas: Qatar played a key role in hostage release and ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel. Recently, Qatar hosted Trump's meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, after which sanctions on Syria were lifted. This shows Qatar's diplomatic strength.
3. Role in India-Pakistan tension: Trump praised Qatar's mediation in the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Qatar also strengthened LNG supply and economic partnership with India, which Trump described as essential for “regional stability”.

Global and Indian perspective

Trump's closeness with Qatar has sparked discussion in India as well. India and Qatar have strong trade ties, especially in LNG supplies. In 2024, Qatar released eight Indian naval officers accused of espionage, which was seen as a result of PM Modi's personal diplomacy. Trump's Qatar policy could be beneficial for India, as it promotes regional stability and energy security.

However, some Indian analysts have raised concerns that Trump's "America First" policy could increase tariff pressure on India. Trump has imposed a 26% tariff on India, which could affect medicines and other exports.

Criticisms and controversies

Trump's closeness with Qatar has also raised some controversies. Some users on Indian social media termed Trump's policy as "greedy", especially in reference to the Qatari Defense Ministry's old tweet "We are all Hamas". US lawmakers also questioned Trump's policy, especially regarding lifting sanctions on Syria and meeting with Al-Shara.

Conclusion

Trump's changed approach towards Qatar is part of his "transactional" diplomacy, which focuses on economic gains and regional stability. Qatar's $1.2 trillion deal and mediation role make it a key US ally. This change could create a new equation in the Middle East, but Trump's tariff policy could pose challenges for allies like India. Will this partnership be permanent? The future will tell.