A number of high-profile U.S. political figures, including Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr., recently participated in the Doha Forum held in Qatar from December 6 to December 8, 2024. This event has raised concerns due to its associations with organizations that have openly anti-American ties. The forum brought together a diverse group of dignitaries to discuss pressing global issues, but its partnerships have drawn scrutiny.
The Doha Forum invited representatives from various countries to engage in discussions on topics such as geopolitics and artificial intelligence. However, the event’s affiliations with state-backed media outlets from Turkey and Qatar, known for their anti-American content, have sparked controversy. These partnerships include entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has been accused of promoting narratives that undermine U.S. influence globally.
Notably, the forum featured a panel titled “US–China Relations: Navigating the Risks and Opportunities of a Changing Global Order,” which included government officials from Pakistan, Iran, Serbia, and an Emirati policy researcher. During the session, officials from Iran and Pakistan criticized U.S. power, arguing that it is in decline, while the Serbian representative called for a reevaluation of Western policies toward China based on its economic significance. The Emirati participant similarly expressed concerns about a potential “Cold War” stance toward China.
These discussions, alongside the presence of prominent conservatives like Alex Bruesewitz and Neil Patel, may lead some observers to view the forum favorably. Carlson has previously praised Qatar, which could further influence perceptions among conservative audiences. Yet, the lack of pro-American voices in these discussions raises questions about the balance of perspectives presented at the forum.
The Center for China and Globalization, a think tank that has collaborated with the Doha Forum, has been scrutinized for its connections to the CCP. Its leadership has been linked to the United Front Work Department, which works to promote the party’s interests globally. Critics argue that these affiliations highlight the potential for the forum to serve as a platform for advancing narratives aligned with U.S. adversaries.
The role of Qatari state-funded media in shaping the discourse at the Doha Forum cannot be overlooked. These media outlets have been accused of acting as mouthpieces for the Qatari government, promoting content that criticizes U.S. policies and societal issues. Reports indicate that a significant portion of their coverage highlights perceived injustices in American society, further contributing to a narrative that diminishes the legitimacy of U.S. institutions.
Research from the Middle East Forum suggests that the Doha Forum serves to lend credibility to Islamist groups while diverting attention from their actions. Dexter Van Zile, a research fellow at the forum, stated that the event capitalizes on the legitimacy associated with Western political figures to advance its agenda.
As the Doha Forum concludes, the implications of U.S. political figures’ participation in an event allied with organizations that pose challenges to American interests are becoming increasingly clear. The potential for these ties to influence public perception and policy discourse remains a critical area for ongoing scrutiny.
