Qatar’s billion-dollari nfluence in America

[MIDDLE EAST] Qatar, a small but wealthy Gulf nation, has spent nearly $40 billion across the United States over the past decade, targeting everything from elite universities and Manhattan skyscrapers to critical infrastructure and political lobbying. As President Trump finalizes a sweeping $1.2 trillion economic agreement with Doha, scrutiny intensifies over the true aims of Qatar’s investments-and the implications for American policy, security, and sovereignty.

Qatar’s Investment Strategy: Beyond Business

Qatar’s influence campaign in the U.S. is broad and multifaceted. According to a recent Middle East Forum report, the country has deployed nearly $40 billion since 2012, with $33.4 billion invested in business, real estate, and private equity, over $6 billion in higher education, and $72 million on lobbying efforts.

Key Sectors of Qatari Spending:

Real Estate & Business:

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, has acquired stakes in iconic properties such as the Empire State Building and the Plaza Hotel, with at least $6.2 billion invested in Manhattan alone. Qatari capital also flows into technology, medicine, and sports ventures, making the nation a significant player in U.S. commercial markets.

Critical Infrastructure:

Qatar’s investments extend to the U.S. power grid, liquified natural gas production, oil pipelines, and plastics manufacturing. National security experts warn that foreign ownership in these sectors could threaten American energy independence and public safety, prompting 22 states to restrict foreign control of critical infrastructure in recent years.

Higher Education:

Qatar has emerged as the largest foreign donor to American universities, providing over $6 billion since 2012, with $980 million contributed between January 2023 and October 2024 alone. Institutions such as Texas A&M, Yale, Georgetown, and Northwestern have received substantial funding, often for research and scholarships. However, investigations have raised concerns about transparency and the potential for foreign influence on academic freedom and campus discourse.

Lobbying and Political Influence:

Qatar has spent at least $72 million on lobbying since 2012, contracting with former members of Congress, executive branch officials, and prominent lobbying firms from both major parties. These efforts intensified after the 2017 Gulf diplomatic crisis, as Qatar sought to counter regional isolation and reshape its image in Washington.

The Political Backlash

The scale and scope of Qatar’s investments have sparked bipartisan concern. President Trump’s recent acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747 from Qatar for use as Air Force One has drawn criticism from both allies and opponents, who question the optics and motivations behind such gifts. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro called the move “skeezy,” while others have accused Qatar of using its wealth to buy political leverage and launder its international reputation.

“Qatar isn’t giving President Trump a $400 million jet out of sheer benevolence. They aim to funnel money into pockets in a completely bipartisan manner.” - Ben Shapiro, The Daily Wire

Mainstream media outlets and political figures have echoed these concerns, warning that Qatar’s financial entanglements could compromise American interests, particularly given its alleged support for groups such as Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Strategic Partnership or National Security Risk?

Despite criticism, the U.S.-Qatar relationship remains strong. Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the Middle East, and was recently designated a “Major Non-NATO Ally” by President Biden. The two nations cooperate on regional security, counterterrorism, and energy projects, and Qatar has played a key role in mediating conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war and the release of American hostages from Afghanistan.

However, analysts caution that Qatar’s dual role-as both a mediator and a supporter of controversial groups-complicates the partnership. Former U.S. envoy Dennis Ross notes that while the military base is strategically vital, Qatar’s support for groups like Hamas remains “troubling” for U.S. interests.

The Soft Power Playbook

Qatar’s approach differs from more aggressive influence operations by countries like China or Russia. Rather than cyberattacks or overt political interference, Doha relies on “soft power”-strategic philanthropy, business deals, and elite networking-to shape U.S. policy and public opinion.

This includes funding think tanks such as Brookings and RAND, sponsoring conferences, and hiring former officials as consultants or lobbyists. Critics argue that such activities create conflicts of interest and erode the independence of American institutions.

“Qatar isn’t challenging US power head-on; it’s buying access, shaping discourse, and laundering its image through think tanks, universities, and former officials.” - Amine Ayoub, Middle East Forum

Calls for Transparency and Reform

The growing scrutiny has led to calls for greater transparency in foreign funding. Lawmakers and watchdog groups urge mandatory disclosure of all foreign donations to U.S. institutions, stricter oversight of critical infrastructure investments, and a reevaluation of the military partnership with Qatar.

Some states have already enacted laws limiting foreign ownership of essential assets, while federal agencies like the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) have expanded their authority to review such deals.

Qatar’s vast spending in the U.S. reflects a sophisticated effort to secure influence, protect its interests, and project global soft power. While these investments bring economic benefits and foster strategic ties, they also raise profound questions about transparency, national security, and the integrity of American institutions. As the U.S. weighs the risks and rewards of this complex relationship, the debate over Qatar’s role in American life is far from settled.