In a landmark move that has reshaped U.S.-Gulf relations, President Donald Trump announced a series of agreements with Qatar totaling $1.2 trillion in projected economic activity.
This deal, the largest of its kind in U.S.-Gulf history, encompasses major contracts across aviation, defense, energy, and infrastructure sectors, promising substantial job creation and economic growth in the United States.
At the heart of the agreement is a $96 billion deal between Qatar Airways and Boeing, marking the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history. The order includes up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft, all powered by GE Aerospace engines. This monumental contract is expected to support approximately 154,000 American jobs annually, with a cumulative impact exceeding one million jobs over the duration of the deal.
The agreements also encompass significant defense contracts. Qatar has committed to a $1 billion purchase of Raytheon’s counter-drone systems and nearly $2 billion for General Atomics’ MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles. These acquisitions make Qatar the first international buyer of the FS-LIDS anti-drone system, enhancing its defense capabilities and further solidifying military cooperation with the United States.
Beyond aviation and defense, the deal includes an $8.5 billion agreement with McDermott for energy projects and a $97 billion commitment to infrastructure developments led by Parsons Corporation. Moreover, Qatar has pledged a $1 billion investment in quantum computing initiatives, signaling a shared interest in advancing cutting-edge technologies.
These agreements are projected to create and sustain over 150,000 American jobs annually across various states, including Kansas, South Carolina, and Ohio. The infusion of capital into these sectors is expected to revitalize American manufacturing and provide substantial employment opportunities, contributing to the nation’s economic resurgence.
Contrary to narratives suggesting trade imbalances, the United States has maintained a positive trade relationship with Qatar for over two decades. In 2023 alone, the U.S. achieved a $2 billion trade surplus with Qatar, alongside a $3.3 billion investment from Qatar into the U.S. economy.
President Donald Trump’s engagement with Qatar is part of a broader diplomatic initiative in the Middle East. Prior to the Qatar agreements, Trump secured a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia, including a $142 billion arms deal, marking the largest U.S. defense agreement to date.
Conclusion
The $1.2 trillion deal with Qatar exemplifies the “America First” policy in action, focusing on job creation, economic growth, and strengthening international partnerships. These agreements not only bolster the U.S. economy but also reinforce America’s leadership on the global stage through strategic diplomacy and economic collaboration.
