On May 6, 2025, President Donald Trump hinted at a "very big announcement" expected to shake the world, scheduled for May 8 or 9. Speaking during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House, he described the upcoming news as "earth-shattering" and emphasized that it would not pertain to trade.
Trump stated, "It’s going to be the most meaningful announcement that’s been made in years on a very important subject. I hope you’ll all be with us for it." The announcement has generated a flurry of speculation, with potential topics ranging from the reconciliation of India and Pakistan to advancements in artificial intelligence, Bitcoin investments, and even discussions about Greenland's acquisition.
In conjunction with this announcement, Trump is set to embark on a Middle Eastern tour from May 13 to 16, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss significant commercial, defense, and aviation contracts. Reports from Bloomberg suggest that deals worth approximately $3 trillion across various sectors, including defense and technology, are on the table.
During the meeting with Carney, Trump reiterated that the announcement would be a positive development for Americans, stating, "It’s not about trade; it’s about something else. This will be a positive development that will truly shake the world for the United States and Americans, and it will come out of the blue." Trump’s remarks have sparked curiosity, especially as he prepares for his first international trip since taking office.
Adding to the intrigue, sources have indicated that Trump's upcoming visit may focus on pivotal Middle Eastern issues, including potential ceasefires in conflict zones like Gaza and Yemen. His itinerary includes discussions on massive contracts with Gulf nations, which are reportedly preparing to announce deals that far exceed previous investments made during his administration in 2017.
Specifically, Qatar Airways is expected to finalize contracts for around 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X jets, while Flydubai is pursuing a deal for approximately 70 General Electric engines for the Dreamliner. Saudi Arabia is reportedly looking to invest up to $1 trillion in the U.S., surpassing previous commitments made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In addition to these economic discussions, arms sales are anticipated to be a significant part of the agenda. The U.S. has recently approved a $35 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, which includes AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles and guided devices. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia is also considering the purchase of Boeing F-15EX fighters.
However, the Washington Post has speculated that Trump's announcement may also involve trade negotiations, particularly as the U.S. engages with countries like India, Japan, and South Korea regarding potential trade agreements.
Meanwhile, Trump’s comments about possibly changing the designation of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf have drawn attention, with reports indicating that he may issue an administrative order to reflect this change. This move could signify a shift in U.S. relations with Iran, as it replaces the historically contentious name with one that aligns more positively with its Arab allies.
The New York Times characterized Trump's statements as a demonstration of his showmanship, noting that they lack concrete details and appear designed to garner media attention ahead of the upcoming elections. Similarly, sources from the New York Post indicated that even Trump's aides are unclear about the specifics of the anticipated announcement.
During the meeting with Carney, Trump revived his controversial suggestion to make Canada the 51st state, to which Carney firmly responded, "Canada is not for sale" and emphasized that it would "never be sold." Trump replied, "The word 'never' should never be used," suggesting that he remains open to the idea, albeit in a joking manner.
The tone of the meeting was described as amicable, with both leaders discussing trade issues and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Carney remarked that the discussions were productive, although no concrete agreements were reached. Trump’s comments about Canada’s potential statehood were met with humor, as Carney acknowledged the absurdity of the idea while maintaining a diplomatic demeanor.
As the world anticipates Trump’s announcement, analysts are considering its implications for U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. The potential for a significant diplomatic breakthrough, especially concerning Saudi Arabia and Israel, could reshape the geopolitical landscape. Should Trump succeed in facilitating a rapprochement between these nations, he may claim credit for a historic achievement.
In the context of ongoing trade tensions with China, Trump's strategies and announcements are closely scrutinized. The upcoming meeting in Switzerland between U.S. and Chinese officials highlights the delicate balance both nations must maintain amid escalating tariffs and economic pressures.
As Trump prepares for his announcement and Middle Eastern tour, the stakes are high. The world watches closely, eager to see whether this "earth-shattering" news will indeed live up to the hype and what ramifications it may have for international relations and trade.
