**Trump’s Financial Ties to Saudi Arabia: A Timeline of Deals and Dollars**

In the world of politics and business, connections can be just as important as policies. For Donald Trump, this has been particularly true in regards to his relationship with Saudi Arabia. While he has publicly stated that he has no financial interests in the Kingdom, the timeline of his deals tells quite a different story.

Going back to the early 1990s, things weren’t looking too rosy for Trump. Faced with a mountain of casino debt that ultimately led to several bankruptcies, he had to make some tough choices. One such choice included selling off the luxurious Trump Princess yacht to Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. It’s a classic case of “desperate times call for desperate measures,” setting a precedent for Trump’s future business dealings with the wealthy Arab nation.

Fast forward to 1995, when Trump sold the iconic Plaza Hotel to Alwaleed as well, reportedly at a loss of about $80 million. It seems that when the going gets tough, Trump found reliable buyers in Saudi Arabia. The relationship only blossomed from there. In 2001, he sold several condos in the Trump World Tower to the Kingdom for approximately $12 million. It was becoming clear that Trump had carved out a niche as a preferred real estate mogul for Saudi investors.

Now, just a couple of years later, in 2015, things took a turn again as Trump launched his presidential campaign. He created eight new business entities, including those with names resembling his existing ventures in places like Indonesia. Speculation ran rampant that these companies might be stepping stones toward further business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, even as his campaign began to ramp up.

Then there was the dazzling moment in May 2017, when Trump made his first international trip as president—the destination? Saudi Arabia! The welcome was grand, complete with the infamous glowing orb photo, which became an internet sensation. The Saudis seemed eager to extend their hospitality, even spending over $270,000 at the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. within just a year.

Recently, the financial ties appear to have deepened. In the years following Trump’s presidency, his family has reportedly collected an eye-popping $50 million from Saudi-related deals in 2024 alone. This blowout of cash could help explain why Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—a figure linked to controversy surrounding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—will be visiting the White House soon, likely with a few topics of mutual interest on the agenda.

So what does this all mean? It looks like Trump’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is a complex blend of business and diplomacy. From selling luxurious properties to facilitating government investments, their financial interactions weave a narrative that spans decades. As Trump gears up for the 2024 election, the spotlight is sure to shine brightly on these lucrative connections. After all, when it comes to politics, money might just be the best friend a former president can have.

Stay tuned, as the drama unfolds and the relationship between Trump and Saudi Arabia continues to grow deeper and more intricate. This is surely a tale to watch in the upcoming election cycle!