President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday in a meeting marked by friendliness, elaborate ceremony and major announcements on defense and investment. Trump praised the crown prince’s leadership, downplayed concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and touted sweeping new Saudi commitments to the United States.
The visit was steeped in pomp. Fighter jets performed a flyover as the two leaders watched from a red carpet, an honor guard arrived on horseback, and an opulent dinner followed in the East Room.
During a joint appearance in the Oval Office—occurring seven years after U.S. intelligence linked the crown prince to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—the two fielded numerous questions from the press, including from one reporter whom Trump repeatedly berated.
Progress on defense cooperation
Trump confirmed that the U.S. would move ahead with the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, saying Israel’s concerns about preserving its qualitative military edge would be addressed. Some Pentagon officials have opposed the deal due to fears that sensitive technology could reach China, a close Saudi partner.
Trump insisted both Israel and Saudi Arabia “should get top of the line” equipment, and Israeli officials have indicated they could accept the sale if Saudi Arabia normalizes ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords. Prince Mohammed reiterated that his country would join the framework only if a credible path to a Palestinian state is secured.
Trump also said Washington and Riyadh were finalizing a broader security agreement and would continue pursuing a civilian nuclear cooperation deal. The two nations additionally signed an agreement for Saudi Arabia to purchase nearly 300 U.S.-made tanks. At the evening dinner, Trump designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally, a symbolic status that enables certain defense and trade benefits.
Khashoggi’s murder largely brushed aside
The crown prince’s visit was his first to the White House since the 2018 murder of Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist. U.S. intelligence assessed that Prince Mohammed likely approved the operation.
When questioned about the killing and Saudi involvement in the 9/11 attacks, Trump attacked the reporter asking the questions. He described Khashoggi as “extremely controversial” and insisted the crown prince “knew nothing about it.”
Trump plans to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Prince’s visit
Prince Mohammed again denied involvement and said Saudi Arabia had undertaken investigations and reforms. “It’s been painful,” he said. “We’ve improved our system to ensure nothing like that happens again.”
Trump also commended the kingdom for human rights progress, without specifying which reforms he meant.
Full ceremonial welcome
Trump welcomed the crown prince on the South Lawn with an embrace-like gesture and a full red-carpet reception, complete with a military band and a tour of White House decorations.
Calling the prince “a very respected man” and “a longtime friend,” Trump also criticized former President Joe Biden for greeting the prince with a fist bump in 2022. “You shake his hand,” Trump said, demonstrating the gesture.
The evening dinner featured high-profile guests including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Tesla founder Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, golfer Bryson DeChambeau and football star Cristiano Ronaldo. Guests were served pistachio-crusted rack of lamb and a chocolate mousse pear dessert.
Broad but undefined economic promises
Prince Mohammed told Trump that Saudi Arabia would increase its investment commitments in the U.S. from $600 billion—announced during Trump’s May trip to Riyadh—to $1 trillion. Specifics were not disclosed but are expected to involve technology, artificial intelligence, jet engines and other sectors.
Source: AP