A wealthy Syrian family with business interests stretching across the Middle East has been working behind the scenes to shape U.S. foreign policy, leveraging the Trump name and network to advance their agenda in Washington.
The Khayyats, a prominent Syrian business clan, have sought to use their connections to influence policy discussions at a critical moment when various Trump family members and associates are exploring potential commercial opportunities abroad.
Their efforts reflect a broader pattern emerging in the second Trump administration: foreign business interests are increasingly attempting to steer American policy decisions by positioning themselves near Trump's inner circle and exploiting the administration's openness to informal deal-making.
The family's approach highlights a murky intersection between commerce and statecraft. With the Trump orbit actively pursuing international business ventures, foreign actors see an opening to align their interests with Washington's power structure, viewing favorable U.S. policy as a natural quid pro quo for access and potential partnerships.
This dynamic has raised questions about whether foreign policy decisions are being shaped by genuine national interest or by the commercial ambitions of those closest to the president. The lack of formal restrictions on simultaneous business dealings and policy influence creates an environment where such arrangements can flourish with minimal scrutiny.
The Khayyat family's efforts are not isolated. Similar patterns have emerged across the region as foreign elites recognize that proximity to Trump, and hints of mutual business benefit, can translate into policy leverage. Whether these informal channels will reshape Middle Eastern diplomacy remains to be seen.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "When foreign money starts writing policy in back channels, the public loses track of whose interests are actually being served."
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