On September 29, 2025, current President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order titled “Assuring the Security of the State of Qatar.” This order pledges the United States’ support to defend Qatar against an external attack; it is a security guarantee stating that an attack on Qatar’s territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure would be considered a threat to U.S. security. If such an event occurred, the United States would take numerous measures, such as diplomatic, economic, and potentially military measures, to protect American and Qatari interests.
The reason for this executive order is to defend and protect U.S. interests in this area. For background, in September, Israel launched an airstrike in Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeting Hamas leaders. In June, earlier this year, Iran attacked Qatar in retaliation for U.S. strikes on their Iranian nuclear sites. These attacks caused anxiety among the Gulf Arab states about partnering with the United States military to provide protection, so this executive order is showing these Gulf states that the U.S. is a reliable ally. It is also protecting the United States’ strategic interests, as supporting Qatar’s mediation role in the war in Gaza reinforces allies and acknowledges long-term cooperation.
Though this order was created out of thought for the best interest of the United States, this order does represent a significant change in the U.S. foreign policy by extending a NATO-like security guarantee to a non-NATO Arab country. A segment from CNN states, “The language of the executive order closely resembles the security guarantee that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) gives to member countries. Article 5 of NATO says that member nations like the United States agree that an armed attack against one of them shall “be considered an attack against them all.” It is particularly remarkable given the circumstances around the order, such as an Israeli airstrike on Qatari soil and the fact that he signed an executive order rather than a formal treaty. This is remarkable because, through a treaty, the Constitution gives power to the Senate, but with the executive order, it completely bypasses Congress. However, due to this being only an executive order, it is not legally binding, meaning it can be reversed by a future president.
There have been many questions raised by analysts and lawmakers about the president making such a commitment without Senate approval. Many believe that this executive order was not only signed as a political regime but a personal one, due to Trump openly accepting a $400 million plane from Qatar only months ago, with the thought of it becoming the new Air Force One. This is an unprecedented move full of ethical and legal issues that is testing even his most devoted followers. NPR states, “Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, was among those taking issue with the idea. McCaul said he certainly received gifts in his former role as chair of the House Foreign Affairs committee and believed countries can give gifts to other countries, but a luxury Boeing 747 jet may go too far.” Even Missouri Senator Josh Hawley says, “I prefer a big, beautiful plane built in the United States, made in America, bought in America.” Many have speculated that there could be a recording device on the plane and have brought up security concerns for the United States if President D. Trump decides to use this plane.
Though there are many different opinions on this matter, we do not know the full effects of this order and will not know them until we are forced to make due on the order.
