Trump’s Silence on LIV Golf Raises Questions Amid Middle East Tour

During his recent Middle East tour, President Donald Trump notably refrained from discussing LIV Golf in his meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, despite prior indications that the topic would be addressed. This omission has sparked speculation within the sports business community, given Trump's historical support for the Saudi-backed golf league and his family's financial ties to the Gulf region.

Before the trip, reports suggested that Trump intended to inform the Crown Prince that any potential agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) would not include a long-term role for LIV Golf. However, when questioned about whether golf was discussed during his meetings, Trump responded with a definitive "No”.

This stance appears to contradict earlier reports indicating that Trump planned to convey to PIF that any deal with the PGA Tour would be on the Tour's preferred terms, excluding a long-term future for LIV Golf. The discrepancy between Trump's reported intentions and his public statements has led to uncertainty about the future of LIV Golf and its place in the global golf landscape.

The Trump family's business interests in the region further complicate the narrative. They have entered into agreements to develop a luxury golf resort in Qatar and have partnered on real estate projects in Riyadh. These ventures underscore the family's deepening economic ties to the Gulf, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of personal business dealings on diplomatic engagements.

Trump's silence on LIV Golf during high-level meetings may signal a strategic shift or a desire to distance himself from the league amid ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF. As the sports industry continues to navigate the complexities of international investments and the evolving dynamics between traditional tours and emerging leagues like LIV Golf, Trump's recent actions—or lack thereof—highlight the intricate interplay between politics, business, and sports.