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Consequences are something he ignores--unless the Saudis decide to remove billions of dollars from investment portfolios managed by his family. So, there WILL be others telling him of possible consequences. Paying attention to the risks is something he MIGHT ignore. But that is a risk HE *might* be told could cost HIM billions--and THEN he pays attention.
And how much would the Saudis profit, from Trump driving oil prices back into triple digits? Make the few billion smoked in RE developments look like chump change?
oh, here's the net sifter output about God on Earth Trump's ME investments.
Donald Trump's real estate company has significant deals in the Middle East, primarily with partner
Dar Global, focusing on luxury branded hotels, golf courses, and residences in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Diriyah), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Dubai), Qatar (Doha), and Oman (Muscat). These ventures involve licensing the Trump name for high-end properties, with projects in various stages of development, expanding the brand's footprint in the Gulf region.
Key Countries & Projects:
Saudi Arabia: Trump Plaza Jeddah (apartments, townhouses, offices) and projects in Diriyah.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Trump hotel in Dubai and multiple golf courses.
Qatar: A Trump International Golf Club and resort in Doha.
Oman: A luxury hotel and golf course development near Muscat.
These projects typically involve local developers like Dar Global and generate revenue through brand licensing, with the Trump Organization providing its name and reputation rather than direct development, say NBC News and The New York Times.
net sifter output on the licensing fees.
Trump's Middle East licensing fees involve a combination of upfront branding fees and ongoing annual payments/management fees, with reports indicating millions in annual earnings from these deals, like $21.9 million from Saudi developer Dar Global in 2024, reflecting payments for the use of the Trump name and management services. These arrangements typically feature a developer paying the Trump Organization for the brand, sometimes with significant upfront sums, and then consistent annual payments or a share of revenue for the brand's use and ongoing management.
How the Fees Work:
Branding Fees (Upfront & Ongoing): Developers pay the Trump Organization a fee for the right to use the "Trump" name on their properties, which can include initial payments and recurring annual fees.
Management Fees: In some cases, the Trump Organization is also paid to manage the property, adding another revenue stream.
Financial Disclosures: Recent disclosures show substantial payments, with one Saudi developer alone paying nearly $22 million in licensing and branding fees in a single year.
Key Takeaway: It's not a single lump sum but a blended model of upfront fees, annual payments, and management fees, allowing the Trump brand to generate consistent income from international projects.
Apparently, most of the annual fees are, at least in part, keyed to revenue, so their is downside risk, if war scares patrons away, or the development is turned into a smoldering crater. However, the annual take is reportedly only in 8 figures. Fiddling small change for a King on Earth who is now demanding bribes in 9 or 10 figures. Reportedly, the bribe demanded from big oil in the summer of 24 was $1B.
Steve
