In yet another fiery clash between Donald Trump’s defenders and the media, the former president’s allies are hitting back hard at accusations that his recent involvement in Middle East diplomacy — particularly in Qatar and the UAE — is financially motivated. At the center of this media firestorm is the claim that Trump may be leveraging his diplomatic engagements for potential business gains. But his supporters are calling this narrative not only baseless but insulting, pointing to his supposed financial sacrifices and “selfless” return to the presidency.

“He Lost Money for This Job”

Caroline Leavitt, Trump’s press secretary, did not mince words when she lashed out at reporters who implied the president’s Middle East agenda may be linked to the Trump Organization’s business interests. “This is a president who has actually lost money for being president of the United States,” she said, echoing a long-held defense from Trump-world that unlike his predecessors, Trump didn’t use the White House for profit.

She drew a sharp contrast with Joe Biden — or as she put it, “my predecessor” — alleging that while Biden is a “career politician who was clearly profiting off this office,” Trump gave up “a life of luxury” to serve the American public. “Not just once, but twice,” she reminded reporters, referring to Trump’s two election wins, including the controversial 2024 return to office.

Media Accused of Twisting Good News

What appears to have truly enraged Trump’s camp is the press framing of his recent involvement in hostage negotiations and ceasefire talks. Trump has reportedly been focused on brokering a resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict, including the safe return of American hostages. While this would normally be considered a diplomatic win, some media outlets have raised eyebrows about the trip’s overlap with sites linked to Trump family business ventures in the region.

But according to Leavitt and others close to Trump, these insinuations are not only false but distract from the real progress being made. “It’s frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit,” Leavitt snapped, accusing the press of perpetuating a “thin” narrative that lacks substance.

“Take a Breath Before Screaming”

Trump allies are also urging the public to zoom out and look at the bigger geopolitical picture. According to commentators defending Trump’s approach, the former president’s trip to the Middle East is part of a larger strategy to wrap up the war, recover remaining hostages, and potentially reignite the Abraham Accords — a diplomatic achievement from his first term aimed at normalizing ties between Israel and several Arab states.

One supporter summed up the situation this way: “We’re getting the American back. That’s good optics for him in America and the administration and the world, right? And then they’re going to hopefully work on the other 20 hostages and then wrap up the war.”

The logic, according to Trump insiders, is sequential. First, end the conflict. Then, solidify Arab-Israeli relations. After that, isolate Iran diplomatically — especially as Tehran loses regional proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. If that’s achieved, Trump allies argue, the chance of direct military conflict with Iran drops drastically.

Accusations of Hypocrisy

Perhaps most inflammatory is the claim that Trump is being unfairly scrutinized compared to past leaders. Leavitt pointedly questioned why similar questions weren’t posed to Biden, despite years of scrutiny over Hunter Biden’s business dealings abroad. To Trump’s defenders, the double standard is blatant and politically motivated.

“It’s just boring and thin,” one ally said of the idea that Trump returned to the presidency just to open a hotel in the UAE. Instead, they argue, Trump’s actions are part of a broader, high-stakes diplomatic game that could reshape the Middle East — and solidify his legacy as a peace broker.

What’s Next?

Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Trump’s supporters are not letting media narratives go unchallenged. From claims of ethical double standards to high-level geopolitics, the message from Team Trump is unwavering — this presidency isn’t about profit, it’s about purpose.

With more trips, more deals, and more hostages potentially returning home, the next few weeks could define not just Trump’s foreign policy credentials, but also whether the public believes he’s the dealmaker or the opportunist. Either way, buckle up — the road ahead is far from smooth, and Trump wouldn’t have it any other way.