WASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers are preparing congressional investigations into financial dealings involving US President Donald Trump, his family and close associates with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, following the Democrats' victories in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.
The investigations are expected to examine major investments, business transactions and financial arrangements involving the Trump family and people close to the administration. According to a November 14 report by The Washington Post, lawmakers have already warned the three Gulf governments about the upcoming inquiries and indicated that a lack of cooperation could affect their relationships with Washington.
The three countries are important US partners in the Middle East, making the potential investigations particularly sensitive for diplomatic and security relations.
Key Financial Deals Under Congressional Scrutiny
Democratic lawmakers are expected to focus on three major financial arrangements involving the Gulf countries.
1. Qatar’s $400 Million Boeing 747-8 Aircraft
Qatar provided a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, to the US government for use as a temporary Air Force One aircraft.
The arrangement has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers over the acceptance of a high-value gift from a foreign government. Qatar has defended the transfer, saying it was formalised through a memorandum of understanding and has a clear legal basis.
2. UAE’s $500 Million Investment in Trump-Linked Cryptocurrency Company
An entity connected to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's National Security Adviser, backed a $500 million investment in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company founded by Trump's three sons and Zach Witkoff, son of US envoy Steve Witkoff.
The investment secured a 49% stake in the company. The transaction is expected to receive significant attention from congressional investigators, particularly because of its timing and the UAE's subsequent access to advanced US microchips.
3. Saudi Arabia’s $2 Billion Investment in Jared Kushner’s Firm
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) invested $2 billion in Affinity Partners in 2021. The private equity firm was founded by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, after the end of the first Trump administration.
Congressional scrutiny could also extend to Trump-branded real estate developments in Saudi Arabia, including projects in Jeddah and Riyadh, and US-Saudi nuclear cooperation.
Potential Impact on US-Gulf Relations
The investigations could create diplomatic difficulties between Washington and the three Gulf countries. Democratic lawmakers are seeking financial records and private communications to examine whether foreign investments and business arrangements influenced US government decisions.
However, Congress cannot directly subpoena foreign governments. It can use its oversight authority over areas such as arms sales and security assistance to exert pressure on countries involved.
Senator Chris Murphy, who visited the region in October, said he raised concerns about financial ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He warned that expanding these financial relationships could jeopardise their relationships with the United States.
Responses from Gulf Countries
Qatar has defended the aircraft transfer, describing the arrangement as transparent and legally established. Saudi Arabia and the UAE had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the planned investigations, according to The Washington Post.
Gulf governments have generally defended their financial dealings with US figures as legitimate business transactions and rejected allegations that they were intended to secure political influence.
The investigations are expected to add pressure to US relations with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress in January 2027.
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