Trump's Global Profits Surged During His Presidential Term
In the second term of President Donald Trump's presidency, the White House has been actively engaged in new trade deals, particularly with Vietnam. This deal, which allows American goods to enter Vietnam duty-free while imposing a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports to the U.S., favours U.S. exports and protects domestic industries [1][4].
However, the continuation of business dealings abroad by the Trump Organization during Trump's presidency has raised potential conflicts of interest. As the President is expected to prioritize U.S. national interests and conduct foreign policy without personal financial considerations, ongoing or new private business ventures with foreign states could blur the lines between public duty and personal gain [2].
While explicit details on Trump's deals with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Serbia in his second term remain unreported or undisclosed, the Trump Organization has resumed pursuing overseas business deals during this period, lifting previous restrictions that were in place during Trump's first term [2].
In Vietnam, the Trump Organization announced a partnership with a subsidiary of Vietnam-listed Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corp. to develop a $1.5-billion golf course, resort, and residential estate in Hung Yen province [3]. Eric Trump, a key figure in the Trump Organization, praised Vietnam as "one of the most dynamic and promising markets in the world today" during the unveiling of the resort deal [3].
At the same time, the U.S. and Vietnam were hammering out the details of a high-stakes trade agreement, raising concerns about the intertwining of trade policy and business interests [1][4]. The trade deal, crucial for Vietnam, settled on a 20% tariff, avoiding a punishing 46% tariff threatened by President Trump [5].
Meanwhile, in Qatar, Eric Trump traveled to the country to help advance negotiations for a luxury resort and golf course, branded as the Trump International Golf Club & Villas, just weeks before President Trump's scheduled visit in May 2025 [6]. The Qatari government offered the United States a customized Boeing 747 worth around $400 million as a diplomatic gift during Trump's visit [7].
The Trump Organization is also planning to build the Middle East's first Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai, marking their fifth regional collaboration [8]. Dar Global, a Saudi firm with ties to the Saudi royal family, secured a partnership with the Trump Organization for a project in the region [9].
In Serbia, Jared Kushner's Miami-based firm Affinity Partners is planning to build a luxury hotel and apartment complex on the site of the former Yugoslav Ministry of Defense in Belgrade [10].
The pursuit of foreign business while serving as president inherently risks conflicts between public responsibilities and private gain, especially if those same countries are subjects of U.S. diplomatic or trade policy [2]. A congressional probe released in January 2021 showed that Trump-owned businesses received at least $7.8 million from 20 foreign governments during Trump's first term, including the governments of China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Malaysia [11].
As Trump's second term progresses, the Trump Organization is pushing full throttle with its international expansions, presidential visits, and personal entanglements, potentially blurring the line between presidential power and private gain. The luxury hotel and apartment complex in Belgrade, if built, will feature a 175-room hotel, more than 1,500 luxury apartments, and a new memorial to victims of the NATO bombing [12]. In just six months, the Trump Organization secured 12 new international business projects, surpassing the total from Trump's entire first term [13].
Trump's address at the US-Saudi Investment Forum during his Gulf trip in May 2025 further emphasized this trend. He rejected the idea of lecturing Middle Eastern governments about democracy or human rights, instead focusing on economic opportunities [14]. This approach, while promoting economic growth, has raised questions about the impartiality of U.S. foreign policy towards countries with questionable human rights records [14].
In conclusion, while the specifics of Trump's business deals with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Serbia during his second term remain unclear, the continuation of overseas business dealings by the Trump Organization during his presidency raises potential conflicts of interest. Transparency and clear separation between presidency duties and business interests are crucial to avoid ethical issues.
- The ongoing business dealings of the Trump Organization, particularly in Vietnam, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Serbia, during President Trump's term, have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
- The intertwining of trade policy and business interests, such as the Trump Organization's dealings in Vietnam, could be a cause for concern, especially in the context of human rights and international diplomacy.
- The media has been closely following the news of the Trump Organization's international expansions, partnerships, and presidential visits, particularly in the Middle East, and their potential implications for U.S. foreign policy.
- Education and self-development platforms have been discussing the general news of the Trump Organization's business deals, highlighting the importance of transparency and ethical conduct for public officials.
- As the world watches the progression of President Trump's second term, sports enthusiasts have also been keeping up with the news, with a Trump International Golf Club & Villas project underway in Qatar and plans for a Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai.
- In light of these developments, international organizations and governments are calling for clearer separation between presidential duties and business interests, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights and international norms in all diplomatic and trade dealings.
