Trump Organization Announces Luxury Tower Project in Saudi Arabia, Raising Concerns
ICARO Media Group
In a recent announcement, the Trump Organization unveiled plans to develop a luxurious Trump Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Dar Global, the international arm of Saudi mega-developer Dar Al Arkan. If realized, this project would mark the Trump Organization's first major venture in Saudi Arabia.
The partnership with Dar Global aims to bring the Trump brand's standards of luxury to the Middle East region, targeting the affluent Saudi Arabian market and international investors. Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization and son of former President Donald Trump, expressed enthusiasm about expanding their presence in the Middle East through their longstanding relationship with Dar Global.
Just a few days ago, the Trump Organization and Dar Global jointly revealed their plans for a $500 million Trump International hotel complex in Oman. Set to open in December 2028, the lavish hotel complex will feature a nightclub, golf course, and members-only club, with Dar Al Arkan licensing the Trump name and logo for this property.
However, these new ventures in the Middle East have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest should former President Donald Trump return to the White House. Donald K. Sherman, Senior Vice President and Chief Counsel at Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW), warned that the Trump Organization's pursuit of foreign business projects raises issues pertaining to national security, corruption, and potential constitutional violations. Of particular concern is the Trump Organization's development in Saudi Arabia, given the country's history of seeking to influence Donald Trump.
CREW's 2023 analysis revealed that during his presidency, Trump made at least $9.6 million from Middle Eastern countries. The Trump Organization, owned by a private trust with the former president as the sole beneficiary, is currently managed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
Adding to the complexity, last year, the Trump Organization was fined $1.6 million by a New York judge for running a tax fraud scheme over a span of ten years. Two Trump entities were convicted of multiple felonies, including tax fraud and falsifying business records.
Moreover, Jared Kushner's investment firm, which was involved in foreign policy advisory during the Trump administration, reportedly secured a $2 billion investment from the Saudi royal fund. This development has prompted Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, to launch an investigation into Kushner's firm and its ties to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern governments. Wyden expressed concerns about significant conflicts of interest and potential counterintelligence risks arising from these investments.
As the Trump Organization forays into the Middle Eastern market with ambitious projects, the specter of conflicts of interest and constitutional implications loom large. The implications of these developments warrant careful scrutiny and ongoing investigation.
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