Trump Demands Middle East Nations Pay U.S. Protection Money as Economy Craters

What was said

"We are going to be reimbursed for protection. We're protecting by the countries that we're helping. For instance, you look at the 5 countries. You have Saudi Arabia. You have UAE. You have Qatar. You have Bahrain. And by the way, you have others. You have Kuwait and you have others. And they will do very well."

Trump announced in an Oval Office presser that Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait must now reimburse the U.S. for military protection, essentially demanding tribute payments. This comes as oil prices surge 9%, strategic petroleum reserves hit tank bottom, and the federal debt rose $3.2 trillion in 12 months to $39.4 trillion despite Trump's claims of bringing in $19.2 trillion.