Whenever I travel abroad to meet with foreign leaders, I write a behind the scenes account of the trip on my way home. Here are notes from my recent trip to the Middle East. It's not a comprehensive recitation of all the topics raised. Just a snapshot.

I just got back from the Middle East. What I saw made clear that Trump and Hegseth aren’t telling the American people the full story about the cost and damage of this war. Here are my four biggest takeaways.

This level of naked, open corruption is unprecedented in our history.

How do I know Hegseth’s order to deny access to bases to members of Congress is about a cover up, not about safety? Because I asked for a military briefing at the embassy as a substitute and was told the policy prohibited military leaders in the region from even talking to me.

Something unprecedented happened during my visit to the Gulf. For the first time in 20 years in Congress, I was denied entry to U.S. military facilities and even meetings with military leaders. An order from Hegseth - that applies to both parties - to hide the cost of the war.

This is such a sick, evil thing to say. Especially because he’s not saying this as a joke. Just as sick that his supporters are laughing at it

I had dinner in Riyadh tonight with a variety of emerging economic and cultural leaders. We talked about how far things have come here under Vision 2030 - but also my belief that reform needs to continue.

I just finished a two hour meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Let me tell you about it.

The presence of American universities in Qatar is an important way for the United States to promote U.S. values in the Middle East and create more lasting people-to-people connections. I was glad to visit with Sheikha Hind Al Thani in Doha’s Education City

Something I’ve heard about during my trip to the Gulf? War profiteering. Often by U.S. companies. Let me tell you what I learned. And why a Democratic Congress should do something about it

One of his key messages: the U.S. should focus on a deal with Iran - which is possible - instead of a resumption of strikes.

I am going to try to keep you updated on my trip to the Middle East. My first meeting when I arrived in Qatar last night was a long dinner with Ali Al Thawadi, a key diplomat who coordinates U.S.-Iran shuttle diplomacy.

I just arrived in the Middle East. I’m the first Democrat to be in the region since the war began. I’m here to view war damage, talk to our partners about the impact of the war, and meet with those who are working to end the conflict.

In July, I led several Senators in a request to the Secretary of the Air Force to disclose how much money is being stolen from taxpayers to pay for Trump’s luxury Qatari jet. Today I got a reply. 100 words. Telling Congress to screw off. Can’t wait for a Democratic Senate!

I went to the floor yesterday to ask the Senate to pass a simple bill - no ICE arrests at school bus stops. Let’s end this evil practice of purposely traumatizing kids. Republicans blocked the bill. And for insane reasons. Watch.

A public backlash is growing against the predatory companies that try to erase our jobs and monetize everything not nailed down. They want leaders who are going to unapologetically fight back. Democrats should seize that humanist mantle. And it matters who we work with.