Elon Musk's Surprising Deal-Making in the Gulf Alongside Trump

During Trump's recent trip to the Persian Gulf, Elon Musk leveraged the occasion to secure pivotal deals for SpaceX and Neuralink, aligning his business interests with U.S. foreign policy efforts.

In a surprising turn of events, the recent trip undertaken by President Trump to the Persian Gulf showcased a unique intersection between government diplomacy and private enterprise, particularly for Elon Musk. The world’s wealthiest individual, Musk, took advantage of Trump's state visit to announce that his aerospace company, SpaceX, had received clearance to provide Starlink satellite internet services within Saudi Arabia.

As Trump continued to Abu Dhabi, where the skyline was artfully lit in a display reminiscent of American flags, Musk’s other venture, Neuralink, revealed a partnership with the Abu Dhabi health ministry to conduct clinical trials for its innovative brain-chip technology. While details regarding the financial specifics of these agreements remain undisclosed, reports suggest that SpaceX is also negotiating with Emirates Airlines for internet service provision.

Musk's involvement alongside the U.S. administration raises questions about the blurred lines between political influence and private enterprise. He has not only attended cabinet meetings but also commands a wealth of influence over government projects, seemingly simultaneously profiting from federal budgets and international contracts.

This trend reflects the Gulf monarchies' pursuit of closer relations with Western enterprises, seeking to cultivate alliances through investments in influential positions, sports franchises, and sometimes unethical practices, according to officials. As the dynamics of international relations and business continue to evolve, Musk’s role highlights a growing phenomenon where major corporations intertwine with statecraft, raising critical discussions about governance and ethics in an interconnected global economy.