During his first overseas trip of his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “an incredible man” and “a great guy” at a major investment summit in Riyadh. The show of warmth marked a continuation of the strong personal bond the two leaders built during Trump’s first term.
At the summit, Trump announced a $142 billion defense agreement and a $600 billion Saudi investment package targeting artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and energy. In a surprise move, he also pledged to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, saying the decision came at the crown prince’s request.
“Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” Trump said as the Saudi leader placed his hands over his heart and led a standing ovation. The moment captured the depth of their alliance, which remains anchored in shared interests—Trump’s pursuit of economic wins and bin Salman’s aim to modernize Saudi Arabia and expand regional influence with U.S. backing.
The relationship, however, has drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers and human rights groups who argue that economic deals have taken precedence over accountability. Despite bin Salman’s reforms, such as expanding women’s rights, critics point to continued crackdowns on dissent.
Trump’s close ties with the crown prince stand in contrast to former President Joe Biden, who initially vowed to isolate Saudi Arabia over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Biden’s stance later softened due to geopolitical pressures, including energy security concerns and regional diplomacy needs.
During Tuesday’s visit, bin Salman personally welcomed Trump, escorted him on an escalator, and chauffeured him in a golf cart to a state dinner—cementing the optics of a powerful and enduring alliance.