In a high-profile return to Saudi Arabia, former President Donald Trump struck a tone of warmth and partnership, celebrating a massive $600 billion investment package and calling the U.S.-Saudi relationship a “bedrock of security and prosperity.”
Speaking at a U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, Trump emphasized personal camaraderie with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), referring to him as a “friend” and praising the country’s rapid transformation into a global business and innovation hub.
“It’s an honor to be back,” Trump said, recalling that his very first foreign visit as president in 2017 was also to Saudi Arabia. “What’s happening here is nothing short of a modern miracle—an Arabian miracle created by its own people, not imposed by foreign powers.”
The White House announced that the $600 billion agreement includes what it called the “largest defense sales deal in history,” along with joint partnerships in justice, defense modernization, cybersecurity, and billions of dollars in data infrastructure investments on U.S. soil.
Trump’s praise of the Saudi leadership comes despite long-standing concerns raised by U.S. intelligence and human rights organizations, particularly regarding civil liberties and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, Trump chose to highlight the Crown Prince’s vision, calling him “wise beyond his years” and commending Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leader in tech and culture.
Notably, the Trump Organization is also pursuing business projects in the region, including a Trump Tower in Jeddah and a proposed venture in Riyadh—underscoring a blend of politics, diplomacy, and personal business.
In a subtle jab at past administrations, Trump criticized what he called “failed foreign interventions” in the Middle East, championing instead the region’s own progress and rejecting the idea that the West should impose its governance models.
The summit also brought together top American CEOs—Elon Musk, Larry Fink, and Jane Fraser among them—hinting at lucrative deals and deepening economic cooperation between U.S. firms and Saudi investors.
Trump concluded by expressing support for diplomatic progress in Syria, even hinting at lifting sanctions on a “new government that will hopefully succeed,” while reaffirming the broader importance of Middle East stability, especially amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and negotiations with Iran.
As Trump continues his four-day Middle East tour, with stops planned in Qatar and the UAE, Saudi Arabia remains at the center of his diplomatic and economic focus—bridging personal relationships, business, and American foreign policy in one of the world’s most geopolitically significant regions.
