Trump’s First Year: The Gemini Businessman’s Middle East Approach
As President Trump marked his first year in office on January 20th, his “America First” doctrine found its most pronounced expression in Middle Eastern affairs. Embracing his background as a dealmaker, Trump approached the region’s complex dynamics with a businessman’s mindset, dramatically breaking from his predecessor’s policies to pursue what he viewed as America’s maximum advantage through a lens of stark realism.
The Gemini Approach to Foreign Policy
Trump’s leadership style reflects classic Gemini traits—adaptable, communicative, and sometimes unpredictably mercurial. His policy shifts occurred with remarkable speed, leaving allies and adversaries alike struggling to anticipate his next move. This inherent duality allowed him to simultaneously strengthen ties with traditional partners while openly challenging established international norms.
The Business of Alliance Building
Unlike his predecessor’s emphasis on democratic values and human rights, Trump pursued relationships based squarely on strategic and economic interests. His first overseas visit to Saudi Arabia signaled this dramatic shift, culminating in historic arms agreements worth hundreds of billions. This transactional approach extended throughout the region, where Trump demonstrated particular skill at identifying and exploiting existing tensions to advance American interests.
The Iran Factor and Regional Alignment
Central to Trump’s Middle East strategy was the identification of Iran as a regional threat, providing a unifying focus for Sunni Arab states. This conscious creation of a common adversary enabled the administration to strengthen alliances with Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates while applying maximum pressure on Tehran. The approach demonstrated Trump’s preference for clear divisions over nuanced diplomacy.
The Jerusalem Decision and Its Aftermath
Perhaps the most consequential break from previous administration policy came with the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. While fulfilling a campaign promise, the move alienated traditional Arab partners and drew widespread international condemnation. The decision exemplified Trump’s willingness to disrupt established diplomatic conventions in pursuit of domestic political objectives.
The Military Dimension
Trump’s administration displayed unusually strong military influence, with several key positions filled by former generals. This translated into more aggressive counterterrorism operations and increased defense cooperation with regional partners. The campaign against ISIS achieved significant territorial gains, though critics noted these victories came with substantial humanitarian costs and strategic complications.
The Missing Diplomacy
Despite these active engagements, the administration notably underinvested in diplomatic infrastructure. Critical ambassador positions remained unfilled throughout the region, and the State Department experienced significant budget cuts and personnel reductions. This institutional neglect often left military and economic considerations driving policy without adequate diplomatic counterbalance.
Looking Forward
The Trump administration’s Middle East policy ultimately reflected the president’s broader worldview: transactional, unpredictable, and unapologetically focused on immediate American advantage. While this approach yielded some short-term gains, it often came at the expense of long-term stability and America’s traditional leadership role. As with many Gemini-influenced strategies, the emphasis remained on flexibility and adaptation rather than consistent principles—a approach that will likely define American engagement in the region for years to come.
