President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a high-profile summit at the White House, characterized by a warm personal relationship, significant defense talks, and major economic pledges. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with the U.S. President emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment plans while largely bypassing inquiries into the kingdom’s human rights record. The summit was adorned with considerable ceremony.
Central to the defense dialogue was the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move openly supported by President Trump. He assured that any implications for Israel’s military advantage would be carefully handled. Israel has suggested it might not oppose the sale if Saudi Arabia normalizes relations under the Abraham Accords framework. Prince Mohammed indicated Riyadh’s willingness to participate but insisted on a clear pathway to a two-state solution as a prerequisite. The visit also saw advancements in other security cooperation, including civilian nuclear agreements.
The Crown Prince’s presence marked his return to the White House following the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an event linked to him by U.S. intelligence. Trump chose to dismiss questions regarding Khashoggi, labeling him controversial and stating the Crown Prince was unaware of the incident. Prince Mohammed described the event as deeply regrettable for Saudi Arabia and affirmed that thorough investigations and reforms were implemented. Trump also made a brief mention of human rights improvements in Saudi Arabia, including initiatives for women.
The personal chemistry between Trump and MBS was evident, with Trump extending a warm welcome and personal interactions. He contrasted his approach with that of previous administrations. A significant economic outcome was the announcement of Saudi Arabia doubling its investment in the U.S. from $600 billion to an impressive $1 trillion. These funds are expected to fuel investments in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence and support major joint infrastructure and technology projects, reinforcing a strong economic alliance.