In Surprising Move, Trump Grants Qatar Security Guarantees

A few days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States — during which he reportedly expressed regret to Qatar for the strike on Doha in a three-way call with Trump — the U.S. president signed an executive order committing the United States to defend Qatar against any future attack.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pledging that the United States will defend Qatar in the event of any future attack, a dramatic move that follows Israel’s strike on Doha on September 9.

«This will not happen again on Qatari soil.»

A strong ally and friend

During his visit to Washington on September 29, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret to Qatari leaders in a three-way call with President Trump for the strike on Doha, acknowledging the breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and vowing it would not happen again.

The executive order, signed October 1, 2025, declares that any assault on Qatar’s sovereignty, territory, or infrastructure will be treated as a threat to U.S. national security. «The United States will stand with Qatar as a strong ally and friend,» White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

Trump also sought to reassure Gulf leaders, many of whom have urged him to rein in Israel.

«This will not happen again on Qatari soil,» Leavitt quoted Trump as telling Doha’s leadership.

«I’m not thrilled about the whole situation … I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect.»

Israel’s Strike on Doha and Trump’s Reaction

On September 9, 2025, Israel carried out a surprise strike on Doha, Qatar, targeting what it claimed were Hamas operatives allegedly using Qatari territory as a safe haven. The attack left one Qatari security officer dead and damaged civilian infrastructure, sparking immediate condemnation across the Gulf.

The White House quickly distanced itself from the operation. President Trump insisted he had not ordered or approved the strike, placing responsibility squarely on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump later said he was «not thrilled» by Israel’s decision, signaling rare public frustration with a close ally:

«I’m not thrilled about the whole situation … I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect.»

In the days following, Gulf leaders convened an emergency summit in Doha, urging Trump to rein in Israel and prevent further escalations. The controversy set the stage for Trump’s subsequent executive order pledging that any future attack on Qatar would be treated as a threat to U.S. national security.

A $400 million gift to Trump

In May 2025, Qatar presented President Donald Trump with a Boeing 747-8 private jet, a gift valued at nearly $400 million. The luxurious aircraft, offered directly to Trump rather than the U.S. government, has stirred controversy among legal scholars and ethics watchdogs, who cite the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars presidents from accepting personal gifts from foreign states without congressional approval. The Trump administration defended the gesture as a token of friendship from a key Gulf ally.

According to aides, once his presidency ends, Trump plans to transfer the aircraft to his future presidential library as a centerpiece exhibit.