A group of wealthy Syrian businessmen, led by the Al-Khayyat family, pushed an unusual strategy to unlock billions in reconstruction opportunities by tying their plans to the name of US President Donald Trump.
At the centre of the effort was a Syrian billionaire seeking to benefit from nearly $12 billion in rebuilding contracts, which depended heavily on the removal of long-standing US sanctions on Syria, a New York Times report has revealed.
A golf course idea to get attention
In the summer of 2025, investor Mohamad Al-Khayyat and his partners presented a grand vision to US Congressman Joe Wilson. The plan included a cruise port, a polo club, a Bugatti showroom, and a luxury golf course along Syria's coast. But sanctions made funding such a project almost impossible.
During discussions, Wilson suggested a simple way to grab attention in Washington by branding the project as a "Trump National Golf Course." The idea was clear, attaching Trump's name could open doors. Al-Khayyat responded that a Trump-branded resort was already part of their thinking.
Business deals beyond Syria
At the same time, the Khayyat family was building ties with Trump's inner circle. They entered a major real estate partnership in Albania with Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. What started as a contractor role soon turned into a full partnership, with both sides investing and managing the project together.
Ivanka Trump even travelled to Albania to meet the Khayyat brothers, along with architects and local officials, to discuss design plans. The relationship signalled growing trust and raised questions about how business and policy were overlapping.
A stone sent to Washington
In one of the most striking moves, Al-Khayyat brought a symbolic "foundation stone" to Washington. The stone was engraved with the Trump family crest and labelled "Trump International Golf Club, Syria." It was handed over to Republican lawmakers with the suggestion that it be shown at the White House to catch the president's attention.
This gesture highlighted how the Trump brand itself was being used as a tool to influence political thinking at the highest level.
Policy shift and sanctions rollback
By mid-2025, the US had already begun easing some restrictions on Syria. Later that year, Congress moved further by including a sanctions repeal in a massive defence funding bill worth nearly $1 trillion. Trump signed it into law on 18th December, 2025.
Key figures like US Representative Brian Mast were involved in negotiations around the sanctions rollback. Officials maintained that these decisions were not influenced by Trump’s family business connections.
The White House and the Trump Organisation also denied any involvement in the Syria golf project, insisting that the president acted within ethical boundaries.
Influence, lobbying, and new opportunities
Behind the scenes, Syrian-American businessman Tariq Namo and others worked through lobbying and political connections to build support for lifting sanctions. Their efforts gained traction as Washington slowly shifted its approach to Syria.
Following the policy change, the Khayyat family secured major contracts, including the redevelopment of Damascus Airport, power projects, and gas deals with American companies. They also began investing in tourism by buying historic properties.
Concerns on the ground
While investors see opportunity, not everyone in Syria is convinced. Farmers and local communities along the coast have raised concerns about losing land to luxury developments. The region is still recovering from years of conflict, and tensions remain sensitive.
In the end, the story shows how a powerful brand, strategic partnerships, and political connections came together to shape decisions in Washington, turning reconstruction into both a business opportunity and a debate over influence and ethics.