Overview

• The White House has confirmed President Trump’s three-day Middle East trip from May 13-16, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
• The visit aims to deepen strategic and economic ties through bilateral meetings with Gulf leaders.
• The trip marks Trump’s first international engagement of his second term, reflecting continuity in Middle East policy priorities.
• President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Rome this weekend to attend funeral services for Pope Francis, who passed away at 88.
• Special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Russia later this week to advance discussions with Vladimir Putin on a potential Ukraine ceasefire.