Chicago – May 14, 2025
President Donald Trump signed several agreements with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. These agreements included a deal for Qatar to purchase Boeing aircraft, as well as letters of intent and plans for “joint cooperation” between the U.S. and Qatar. The emir also agreed to buy MQ-9 drone aircraft.
Al Thani shared that he had a “great” conversation with Trump before the signing ceremony, noting that these agreements would strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Qatar.
The growing relationship between the U.S. and Qatar has received new attention this week, partly because of Trump’s visit and reports that his administration may accept a free jet from the Qatari royal family to temporarily replace Air Force One. This idea has faced criticism from both political sides, but Trump has shown little concern.
The relationship between the U.S. and Qatar has greatly improved since 2017, when Trump accused Qatar of supporting terrorism.
At that time, Trump said Qatar “has historically been a funder of terrorism at a very high level.” However, in 2022, Qatar became a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. under President Joe Biden and hosts one of the U.S.’s largest military bases in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, which is crucial for U.S. Central Command operations.
Qatar has also played an important role in peace talks and hostage negotiations, especially in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. An Israeli delegation visited Doha on Tuesday to discuss a possible agreement for a hostage exchange and ceasefire in Gaza.
