Qatar's Amir: Trump Is 'the First American President to Officially' Visit; Boeing Order 'the Largest' in Its History (May 14, 2025)

Qatar’s ruler opened President Donald Trump’s visit with a first. “And I don’t know if you know that you are the first American President to officially, as—to visit Qatar,” the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, told Trump in Doha on May 14, 2025, according to the transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

“We were lucky that, in 2022, we had the World Cup here in Qatar, and there wasn’t one incident during the World Cup.” the Amir said, as the United States prepared to host the 2026 World Cup [1].

“Mr. President, I’ve known you for many years. I know that you’re a man of peace. I know that you want to bring peace to this region,” the Amir said [1].

The video above shows Trump’s arrival and meetings in Qatar on May 14, 2025. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project [1][2][3][4].

“And we’ll bring peace not only here, but I know you’re very much involved in helping us in other regions, like what’s happening with Russia-Ukraine, et cetera,” Trump answered [1].

”The Largest Order of Jets in the History of Boeing”

At a signing ceremony, Trump announced a record sale. “The trade is the—Kelly is telling me, from Boeing, it’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing. That’s pretty good,” he said [2].

“So it’s over $200 billion, but 160 in terms of the jets. That’s fantastic. So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there,” Trump said, as the room laughed [2].

“The United States is in a very strong position militarily. We have the best equipment anywhere in the world,” he said [2].

”Young, Attractive Guy. Tough Guy”

On the flight in, Trump told reporters about his escort. “You’re going to be surrounded by eight fighters, you know, in about 7 minutes,” he said [3].

On Air Force One, a reporter asked about Trump’s meeting that morning with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. “Great. Great. I think very good. Young, attractive guy. Tough guy, you know? Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter,” Trump said [3].

“But he’s got a real shot at pulling it together. I spoke with President Erdoğan, who I’m very friendly with, and he feels he’s got a shot of doing a good job. It’s a torn-up country,” he said [3].

Asked if Syria would join the Abraham Accords, Trump said: “Yes, but I think they have to get themselves straightened out. I told him, ‘I hope you’re going to join when it’s straightened out.’ He said, ‘Yes.’” [3]

Asked about reports that the Syrian leader wanted a Trump Tower in Damascus, Trump said: “No, that I haven’t heard. I think we’ll have to wait a little while. Let things calm down a little while with the—you know, the country.” [3]

“Probably None of the Hostages Would Be Living”

Asked what credit Israel deserved for the release of American hostage Edan Alexander, Trump said: “Well, they’ve been fighting a long time.” He added: “I think they deserve a lot of credit. I think my people deserve a lot of credit—maybe the most credit. Look, he wouldn’t be there. If it weren’t for us, he wouldn’t be living right now,” he said [3].

“Probably none of the hostages would be living right now, and we probably have 20 that are living that we’ll be getting out step by step,” Trump said [3].

“And we got Edan out, who’s great. His family was so thankful,” he said [3].

Asked whether he would go to Turkey if Vladimir Putin showed up for talks with Ukraine, Trump said: “Well, I don’t know if he’s showing up. I know he would like me to be there, and that’s a possibility. If we could end the war, I’d—be thinking about that.” [3]

“This Is Good for Israel”

Asked whether skipping Israel on the trip sidelined it, Trump said: “No, not at all. No. This is good for Israel. Having a relationship like I have with these countries, the Middle Eastern countries—essentially, all of them—it will—I think it’s very good for Israel.” [3]

“Tall, Handsome Guys”

Trump praised his hosts. “But we’ve been friends for a long time, and this is an outstanding man. He’s a great man, and we’re going to help each other,” he said of the Amir [2].

“You sort of remind me a little bit of each other, if you want to know the truth. They’re both tall, handsome guys that happen to be very smart,” Trump said of the Amir and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman [2].

By the Numbers

160: jets in the Boeing order, per the Amir and Trump [2].
$200 billion+: the value, per Trump [2].
20: hostages Trump said were still alive in Gaza [3].
1st: official visit by a U.S. president to Qatar, per the Amir [1].

What Happened Next

The 20 came home. On Oct. 13, 2025, Trump told Israel’s Knesset: “After 2 harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families; and it is glorious.” [4]

“Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home at last to rest in this sacred soil for all of time,” Trump said [4].

For Trump’s speech in Riyadh the day before, see HYGO News’ page on May 13, 2025. For Trump’s deadline to Hamas in February, see the page on Feb. 10, 2025.