Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) criticized President Donald Trump’s relationships with Gulf monarchies, arguing the administration has embraced some of the world’s wealthiest ruling families despite their authoritarian systems.
Sanders Targets Trump’s Gulf Relationships
On Saturday, Sanders aimed at Trump in a post on X, questioning the president’s close ties with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
"Why does Trump love UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar?" he wrote.
He described the three nations as "dictatorships run by the richest families on earth."
He pointed to the estimated wealth of their ruling families, writing that the UAE royal family is worth $336 billion, the Saudi royal family $214 billion and the Qatari royal family $200 billion.
Sanders concluded the post, saying, "Billionaire dictators: Trump’s best friends."
White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Why does Trump love UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar?
— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) July 25, 2026
They’re dictatorships run by the richest families on earth.
The UAE royal family: $336 billion.
The Saudi royal family: $214 billion.
The Qatari royal family: $200 billion.
Billionaire dictators: Trump’s best friends.
Hunter Biden Criticized Saudi Nuclear Agreement
Hunter Biden criticized a reported U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement, questioning why Washington opposed Iran’s uranium enrichment while supporting Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear ambitions.
He alleged Trump approved the deal through a national security waiver and pointed to Saudi Arabia’s financial ties to the Trump family, including investments linked to Jared Kushner, LIV Golf and Trump-branded real estate projects.
Trump’s Saudi Nuclear Deal
Earlier, President Trump said a U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear agreement would only be approved if Saudi Arabia accepted a ban on uranium enrichment, limited the program to peaceful civilian use and joined the Abraham Accords.
The comments marked a shift from an earlier reported proposal that could have allowed Saudi uranium enrichment under a U.S.-controlled “black box” arrangement following a joint feasibility study.
That earlier framework reportedly envisioned a multibillion-dollar, 30-year agreement but did not include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol for enhanced inspections.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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