Egypt Daily News – Former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a speech to American troops stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking his first official visit to the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. The visit was part of a broader engagement that included defense industry leaders and regional stakeholders.
According to the Associated Press, Al Udeid serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command and plays a critical role in American military operations across the region. Prior to Trump’s address, military personnel at the base were treated to a comedic performance by American comedian and podcaster Theo Von, who delivered a light-hearted routine that touched on Qatari national dress and local naming conventions. His appearance was met with laughter and applause from the troops.
The stage was flanked by a Qatari F-15 fighter jet and an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, emphasizing the joint strategic presence of both nations. A large banner behind the podium featured the American and Qatari flags with the phrase, “Peace Through Strength” prominently displayed.
President Trump began his day with a breakfast meeting attended by senior executives from major American defense and aerospace companies, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics. Also present were figures such as Abdulaziz Al Rabban, Chairman of Al Rayyan Capital, and former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott.
The Qatari delegation included the Chairman of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, a business partner in Trump-branded developments and the builder of the first Trump-branded project in Qatar. Margot Martin, Trump’s Special Assistant and Communications Advisor, posted a video of the presidential motorcade en route to the base on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
As President Trump arrived at Al Udeid, home to over 10,000 U.S. troops, thousands of service members gathered for the event. The excitement was palpable as opening acts warmed up the crowd ahead of the commander-in-chief’s appearance.
Theo Von, whose popularity among younger conservative audiences has made him a vocal supporter of Trump’s campaign efforts, set the tone with jokes and personal anecdotes. “What’s up, Al Udeid? Thank you for having me,” he said from the stage. “They asked me if I wanted to go to the Middle East. I said, ‘The Middle East? You mean Kentucky?’”
Also in attendance was country music star Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.,” which has become a staple at Trump campaign rallies for over a decade.
Trump’s speech underscored the importance of Al Udeid in U.S. foreign policy and military strategy, particularly its role over the past two decades in operations over Afghanistan and Iraq. The base has served as a launch point for airstrikes, surveillance, and intelligence missions, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of U.S. military operations in the region.
