Mark Halperin Says Trump Wants Three Things ‘On Vivid Display’ During Mideast Tour

Veteran political analyst Mark Halperin said on Fox News Monday that President Donald Trump is pursuing three things on his Middle East tour, and all three are “on vivid display.”

Trump will depart Monday for Saudi Arabia, marking the first foreign trip of his second term and once again breaking tradition by skipping the usual first stop in the United Kingdom. During an appearance on “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Halperin discussed what he said was the president’s strategic pivot away from traditional security-based alliances and toward bold economic diplomacy.

“Donald Trump seeks out three things above all else. He seeks out power, news, and money, and all three are on vivid display on every stop of this trip. I think he talked about maybe going to Turkey if Putin and Zelensky meet,” Halperin told Baier.

Trump’s itinerary, packed with business forums, energy negotiations and defense discussions, mirrors what Halperin likened to a state-level economic mission.

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“This trip is an opportunity to reorient away from a relationship the United States has had for decades based around security and energy, oil, and more towards the economy,” Halperin added. “And that’s what Donald Trump wants to do. He wants to be like a governor going on a trade mission and bring a lot home.”

Halperin said high-profile announcements and splashy investment pledges don’t guarantee results.

“I take the point made earlier, not all the money ever always shows up after these big splashy deals. The deliverables have to be delivered,” Halperin added.

Halperin discussed the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough during Trump’s trip.