Topline
President Donald Trump played down his family’s business ties with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, saying in an Oval Office meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman his family has “done very little” with the Middle Eastern ally despite ongoing deals with Saudi Arabia.
Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the White House on Tuesday. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
When asked by an ABC News reporter if he felt it was appropriate for his family to do business with Saudi Arabia while he is president, Trump initially responded, “Fake news. ABC Fake News.”
The president then said he has “nothing to do” with his family business, saying it has “done very little” with Saudi Arabia.
Trump’s comment comes less than a day after the Trump Organization announced it is partnering with Saudi-based developer Dar Al Arkan to license its name to a luxury hotel in the Maldives.
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What Business Has Trump’s Family Done With Saudi Arabia?
Following the end of Trump’s first term, the president’s family has secured at least nine deals with Saudi investors, according to a Forbes report, engaging in multimillion-dollar ventures involving Trump’s golf properties and licensing business. Last year, the president and his extended family generated an estimated $50 million from deals linked to Saudi Arabia. Jeddah, a coastal city in Saudi Arabia, will be home to Trump Tower Jeddah and Trump Plaza Jeddah, the latter of which includes offices, apartments and a green space. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, secured capital commitments of $2 billion from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund from 2021 to 2024, according to the Forbes report, which noted a 1.25% management fee is attached to the funds, “suggesting the Saudis will pay Kushner’s firm at least $125 million over five years.”