
Trump Bypasses Congress on $8.6B Middle East Arms Deal, Sparking Backlash
Reports say the Trump administration skirted congressional review to approve an $8.6 billion weapons deal with the United Arab Emirates and other Middle East allies, fast-tracking the sale via an emergency provision. The package would fund rockets for Israel, Qatar, and the UAE and air-defense systems for Qatar and Kuwait, with Qatar paying over $4 billion for Patriot interceptors and Israel, the Emirates, and Qatar receiving an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. Secretary of State Rubio expedited the deals, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and rights advocates who warn the moves bypass Congress and may fuel regional conflict, including scrutiny over arming groups like Sudan’s RSF. Critics warn the “arms trade” is thriving before and after the ongoing Iran war, highlighting broader concerns about U.S. foreign‑policy choices and checks on arms sales.











