President Donald Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, marking the beginning of his first major international trip of his second term. The meeting highlighted the countries’ business ties and Trump’s efforts to shore up relations with key Middle Eastern allies.
Trump heaped praise on the crown prince, calling him “very wise, wise beyond his years.” He also touted their “tremendous relationship” and said he was “so impressed” with the crown prince. “I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said.
The crown prince has emerged as a key ally for Trump, particularly in efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite Saudi Arabia’s isolation following the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the crown prince has worked hard to cultivate close ties with Trump.
During the meeting, Trump highlighted Saudi investment in the US, saying it would create “tremendous numbers of jobs.” He pointed to a previously announced $600 billion investment and joked that it would become “$1 trillion.”
Trump’s focus on dealmaking and publicly highlighting investment deals made during the trip overshadowed the more delicate and complicated geopolitical backdrop in the region. The leaders were seated at the head of a large ballroom with their teams on either side, underscoring the significance of the meeting.
Trump’s Middle East Trip: What’s at Stake
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates is seen as an effort to prioritize and empower Arab states in the region. The trip comes at a critical moment for US nuclear talks with Iran, led by Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
Each of the nations Trump is visiting has a list of priorities. Saudi Arabia is seeking US cooperation to develop a civil nuclear program and reassurance of the US security commitment to the Gulf’s stability. The UAE sees investment as central to its strategy for deepening ties with the US, with a focus on AI, semiconductors, manufacturing, and energy.
Qatar, which hosts the biggest US military installation in the Middle East, is seeking to remain relevant in the eyes of Washington. Experts say the country is part of an effort to maintain its role as a key mediator in conflicts, including the war in Gaza and Afghanistan.
Business Leaders Join Trump on Trip
Prominent US business leaders, including Elon Musk, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang, are expected to attend a lunch with Trump and the crown prince. The leaders will discuss investment opportunities and deepen ties between the US and Saudi Arabia.
The Trump family’s business ties to the Middle East have more than tripled since the president’s first term, with a slew of new projects announced since he reclaimed the White House. The family’s expanding business empire has raised concerns among government ethicists, who say it’s difficult to determine whether Trump is acting in the best interest of the United States or his pocketbook.
What’s Not Being and Said About the Trip
The trip has sparked interest and debate on social media, with some questioning the implications of Trump’s meetings with Middle Eastern leaders. Others have praised the president for his efforts to strengthen ties with key allies.
As the trip continues, all eyes will be on the deliverables and agreements announced between the US and its Middle Eastern partners. Will Trump’s focus on dealmaking and economic agreements pay off, or will the complexities of the region’s geopolitics overshadow the visit? Only time will tell.