Trump Secures $1.2 Trillion US-Qatar Economic Pact, Including Record $96 Billion Boeing Deal
Quote from Lawyer on May 15, 2025, 4:40 amDuring a high-profile visit to Qatar, US President Donald Trump signed agreements with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, forging an economic exchange valued at over $1.2 trillion. The landmark deals, announced at the Royal Palace in Doha, encompass trade, defense, and energy, with a historic $96 billion Boeing aircraft order for Qatar Airways at the forefront.
The Boeing agreement, described as the largest widebody jet order in the company’s history, includes up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines. The deal, finalized during a ceremony attended by Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, also marks the largest-ever order of 787s. Trump hailed it as a “record” achievement, projecting the creation of 154,000 US jobs and a boost for American manufacturing. The deal’s value, while significant, is noted to be below the $200 billion list price for the jets, with revenue expected over several years as deliveries begin, potentially in 2026 for the 777X.
Beyond aviation, the agreements include $243.5 billion in additional deals, covering energy infrastructure, defense contracts, and a $1 billion quantum technology joint venture. A $3 billion defense package strengthens Qatar’s position as the US’s 12th largest Foreign Military Sales partner, with active cases exceeding $26 billion. The White House emphasized the deals’ role in advancing US innovation and economic growth, building on prior successes like the 2019 GE Aerospace GEnx engine sale to Qatar Airways.
The agreements come amid Trump’s broader Middle East tour, following a stop in Saudi Arabia where similar high-value deals were signed. In Doha, discussions also touched on regional peace, with Qatar’s strategic role in US defense ties underscored. However, some reports raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting Qatar’s offer of a luxury Boeing jet for Trump’s use as a future Air Force One, which could transition to his personal use post-presidency.
Analysts view the Boeing order as a vote of confidence in the delayed 777X program, though economic impacts will unfold gradually. The deals signal a deepening of US-Qatar commercial and defense ties, with significant implications for global trade and American industry.
During a high-profile visit to Qatar, US President Donald Trump signed agreements with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, forging an economic exchange valued at over $1.2 trillion. The landmark deals, announced at the Royal Palace in Doha, encompass trade, defense, and energy, with a historic $96 billion Boeing aircraft order for Qatar Airways at the forefront.
The Boeing agreement, described as the largest widebody jet order in the company’s history, includes up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines. The deal, finalized during a ceremony attended by Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, also marks the largest-ever order of 787s. Trump hailed it as a “record” achievement, projecting the creation of 154,000 US jobs and a boost for American manufacturing. The deal’s value, while significant, is noted to be below the $200 billion list price for the jets, with revenue expected over several years as deliveries begin, potentially in 2026 for the 777X.
Beyond aviation, the agreements include $243.5 billion in additional deals, covering energy infrastructure, defense contracts, and a $1 billion quantum technology joint venture. A $3 billion defense package strengthens Qatar’s position as the US’s 12th largest Foreign Military Sales partner, with active cases exceeding $26 billion. The White House emphasized the deals’ role in advancing US innovation and economic growth, building on prior successes like the 2019 GE Aerospace GEnx engine sale to Qatar Airways.
The agreements come amid Trump’s broader Middle East tour, following a stop in Saudi Arabia where similar high-value deals were signed. In Doha, discussions also touched on regional peace, with Qatar’s strategic role in US defense ties underscored. However, some reports raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting Qatar’s offer of a luxury Boeing jet for Trump’s use as a future Air Force One, which could transition to his personal use post-presidency.
Analysts view the Boeing order as a vote of confidence in the delayed 777X program, though economic impacts will unfold gradually. The deals signal a deepening of US-Qatar commercial and defense ties, with significant implications for global trade and American industry.