President Trump begins Middle East trip in Saudi Arabia amid business, ethics questions

President Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia this morning, launching a four-day Middle East trip.

(NBC)-President Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia this morning, launching a four-day Middle East trip aimed at strengthening business ties with wealthy Gulf nations and expanding U.S. investments in the region. The trip begins as the Trump administration seeks to build on a $600 billion investment pledge made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the start of Trump’s current term. Officials say the president is expected to focus heavily on trade and business deals during his time in the Gulf.

Critics are pointing to the Trump family’s ongoing business ventures in the region, including a Trump-branded golf course set to be built in Qatar by a Saudi firm — raising fresh concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

“They’re padding their pocket with deals with foreign countries,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), one of several lawmakers voicing objections.

Further scrutiny has been sparked by an offer from Qatar, Trump’s next stop, to provide the president with a luxury jumbo jet for use as Air Force One — and later transfer ownership to the Trump Library Foundation after he leaves office.

“I think that was a very nice gesture,” President Trump said. “Now I could be a stupid person and say, oh no, we don’t want a free plane.”

 Members of Congress across party lines are raising alarms.

“It’s not like a ride on the plane,” said Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). “We’re talking about the entire $400 million plane. I think it’s not worth the appearance of impropriety.”

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) added, “Just because they are doing the corruption in plain sight does not make it any less damning or sad or gross.”

The White House says legal and constitutional questions surrounding the offer are still being reviewed, and aviation experts have noted the jet would require costly upgrades and a full dismantling to ensure it’s free of surveillance devices.

The high-stakes visit comes at an emotional time, as celebrations continue over the release of 21-year-old Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage held by Hamas. The dual U.S.-Israeli citizen was freed after 584 days in captivity in a deal brokered largely between the Trump administration and Hamas — reportedly with minimal involvement from Israeli leadership.