PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, highlighting a $42 billion arms deal with the country, hailing improved U.S.-Qatar relations, and addressing American troops stationed there.
👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, and U.S. troops stationed in Qatar.
📍 Where & When: Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 15, 2025.
💬 Key Quote: “You’re a very special group of people,” Trump told the troops. “Pay raises to each and every one of you, substantial pay raises.”
⚠️ Impact: Strengthened U.S.-Qatar relations, increased military hardware sales, and promises of pay raises for U.S. troops.
IN FULL:
President Donald J. Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday, addressing U.S. troops stationed there. The President addressed troops directly at the base, praising their service and announcing a proposed budget that includes pay raises for service members. “You’re a very special group of people,” he told the soldiers, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Pay raises to each and every one of you, substantial pay raises.”
The America First leader also highlighted a $42 billion deal for Qatar to purchase advanced American-made military hardware, including Pegasus refueling aircraft, amphibious combat vehicles, and MQ-9B drones. “Yesterday we signed an agreement for Qatar to purchase $42 billion worth of the finest American military hardware,” Trump stated, adding that the U.S.-Qatar relationship “has never been stronger.”
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later, Trump criticized the former Joe Biden government’s approach to the Middle East, saying Arab nations felt “abandoned” and risked falling under Chinese influence.
Trump also acknowledged soldiers separated from their families during deployments and gave a special mention to a service member from Butler, Pennsylvania, who assisted the authorities during the assassination attempt against him there last year.
The visit concluded with Trump reaffirming American military dominance, highlighting advancements in submarines and fighter jets, and expressing gratitude to the troops. “We have a proud country, a country that’s respected all over the world. Nobody’s laughing at our country anymore,” he said.