Trump's $20 Billion Move Could Change Everything
President Donald Trump poses for his official portrait at the White House, in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Public domain.
A $20 billion investment in U.S. data centers is shaking up the tech world — not just for its colossal scale but for the questions it raises about foreign power and politics. Spearheaded by Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, a close ally of Donald Trump, the deal is being hailed by some as a game-changer and others as a potential security risk. Is this the dawn of a new tech alliance, or does it come with hidden strings attached? The answer could reshape America's digital landscape.
Who Is Hussain Sajwani?
Hussain Sajwani, chairman and founder of DAMAC Properties, is no stranger to the business world. With a net worth of $5.1 billion as of February 2025, as reported by Forbes, he began his career in catering, serving contracts for the U.S. military and construction giant Bechtel. He later shifted to real estate development in Dubai, where he became a household name by selling out residential projects in record time after laws allowing foreign property ownership were introduced.
Known for extravagant marketing, Sajwani's reputation grew alongside Dubai's skyline. His ventures include collaborations with global brands like Versace and Bugatti and two Trump-branded golf courses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, his plans for a Trump Tower in Dubai remain in limbo after the city's 2008 financial crises.
The Trump Connection
Sajwani's ties to Trump date back to 2013, when their collaboration began on luxury golf courses in Dubai. Despite the Trump Organization's retreat from international projects during Trump's presidency, their partnership persisted. Sajwani even offered Trump a $2 billion real estate deal in Dubai in 2016, which was declined due to Trump's political role, as reported by Forbes.
Personal connections between the two families are evident. Sajwani has been photographed alongside figures like Elon Musk at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, underscoring their close relationship. However, critics argue that such proximity could blur the lines between personal gains and public interests.
DAMAC's Move Into Data Centers
DAMAC Properties, primarily a real estate company, is expanding its portfolio through EDGNEX, a subsidiary focused on data centers. This venture aligns with global trends, as data centers are pivotal in supporting artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and cloud computing. DAMAC currently operates or plans data centers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe, with the U.S. marking its latest foray.
"This is an extremely exciting moment for us. Our foray into the U.S. market in data centers represents a significant milestone in our journey to build a global digital infrastructure platform that will empower businesses today and in the future. Leveraging our expertise in real estate and data centers, we aim to deliver best-in-class infrastructure that supports the next wave of cloud and AI growth, helping further to position the U.S. in the technology and global data ecosystem," Sajwani shared in a recent statement, as reported by Cision.
Sajwani's investment is a fraction of the $1 trillion projected for U.S. data centers over five years, but it signifies a strategic entry into a booming sector. It also raises questions about how this expansion may intertwine with national security and technological sovereignty.
What Are the Risks?
Data centers house sensitive information and play a critical role in national security. With an Emirati company managing such infrastructure, concerns arise over data privacy and the potential influence of foreign governments. U.S. officials will likely scrutinize the venture to mitigate risks, particularly given DAMAC's historical reliance on Trump-brand ventures.
On the business side, DAMAC has experienced financial challenges, including a $283 million loss in 2024. Sajwani's decision to delist DAMAC from Dubai's stock exchange further complicates transparency around the company's finances and governance.
Sajwani's investment in U.S. data centers adds a new chapter to his storied relationship with Trump and his expansion into global markets. While the project promises economic benefits, it raises critical questions about security and governance. As DAMAC's U.S. footprint grows, it will be imperative to monitor how this relationship evolves and its impact on business and policy.
References: Trump Announces $20B US Investment by Emirati Businessman | Trump-Linked Tycoon to Take Dubai Developer DAMAC Private | Forbes Profile – Hussain Sajwani | EDGNEX Data Centers by DAMAC Announces Expansion into the U.S. Market with 2000MW projected future capacity | The Convergence of Data Centers and Power: A Generational Investment Opportunity | The Connection
