In Doha, Qatar, during a recent Middle Eastern trip, President Donald Trump expressed noticeable admiration and envy towards the opulence of his Arab hosts. Despite being the leader of the world’s largest economy and military, Trump could not help but comment on the luxurious surroundings, including the impressive marble in the Qatari palace, which he described as “perfecto” and “very hard to buy.” His appreciation extended to the “gleaming marvels” of Saudi Arabia's skyline and a jab at the less impressive nature of Air Force One, the presidential aircraft he noted was nearly four decades old compared to the new Boeing 747s operated by Gulf states.
Amid his feelings of envy, Trump showed willingness to acquire a new plane, suggesting he might even accept a donated model from Qatar, despite potential security concerns and constitutional implications regarding foreign gifts. There was no substantial national security justification presented for the urgent need for an upgrade over the late delivery of the new Air Force One jets, which Boeing has been working on for years. This desire for a more modern aircraft seemed akin to a case of wanting to keep up with the luxurious lifestyles of Gulf leaders.
Trump’s admiration for the lavishness of Middle Eastern leaders starkly contrasts with the traditional American values established by the Founding Fathers, who aimed to reject royal grandeur following independence from the British monarchy. Historically, American presidents have emphasized humility, projecting a simpler facade in leadership. However, Trump’s style has been distinctly different. His New York City penthouse is replete with gold and marble accents, while his Mar-a-Lago club features design elements inspired by France’s Palace of Versailles.
During his Middle Eastern trip, Trump engaged with various officials, including the Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which he emphasized their success in making a beautiful palace. "The job you've done is second to none," Trump complimented, highlighting his issue with the cramped nature of the White House and his desire for renovations to increase its grandeur.
Among his ambitious plans is the construction of a beautiful ballroom akin to the one at Mar-a-Lago, for which he promised to cover the estimated $100 million expenses. Trump has also expressed the need to repurpose the White House lawn into a patio made of “gorgeous stone” for hosting events, suggesting he feels the current state is insufficient for presidential functions. Some renovations have already been implemented in the Oval Office, which now features gold accents and an increasing number of presidential portraits, alongside a model of the new Air Force One that mimics his personal jet.
One of his prized additions to the Oval Office is a concealed copy of the Declaration of Independence, which he presents in a dramatic fashion to visitors. “You see the new and improved Oval Office as it becomes more and more beautiful,” he remarked to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting the aesthetic changes, which he attributes to “great love and 24 karat gold.” This continuous pursuit of extravagance and renovation underscores Trump's unique approach to the presidency that aligns more closely with his personal tastes than with traditional American values.
