The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential arms sale valued at over $1.4 billion to the United Arab Emirates, which includes the acquisition of CH-47 F Chinook helicopters and parts for F-16 fighter jets. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the UAE, marking the final leg of his Middle East tour that also includes Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The proposed deal, which was announced with the intention of notifying Congress, has drawn criticism from certain Democratic lawmakers who are concerned about the political implications.
They argue that UAE-backed investments in Trump’s cryptocurrency venture and the previously accepted gift of a Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar for Air Force One constitute corruption, thereby undermining foreign policy integrity. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., has called for a full Senate debate and vote, citing concerns that the UAE has invested $2 billion in Trump’s crypto initiatives, a move he deems ‘nuclear grade graft.’
This issue is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny over Trump’s interactions with Gulf nations. In January, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., opposed a $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE due to concerns about the country’s military supply to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which the U.S. has accused of war crimes. Additionally, Congress previously attempted to block Trump from completing arms sales to Gulf nations, including during his first term when lawmakers placed holds on deals with Saudi Arabia and the UAE over civilian casualties in Yemen.
Despite these concerns, the Trump administration has sought to expedite the approval of arms deals with Gulf states, invoking provisions that allow for immediate sales without a review period in cases deemed emergencies. The UAE has also vowed to spend $1.4 trillion in U.S. investments over the next decade, focusing on sectors such as semiconductors, manufacturing, energy, and artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, arms transfers and defense trade in the U.S. are overseen by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the State Department. This process involves initial reviews to ensure that the deals align with U.S. strategic interests, followed by notifications to Congress. Federal lawmakers can reject a sale, but if they do not, the U.S. government may proceed with negotiations.
As Trump prepares for his Middle East trip, the political and ethical dimensions of these arms sales continue to be a contentious issue, reflecting the complex interplay between foreign policy, economic interests, and national security in the current administration.