TLE DESK: President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday in a meeting marked by ceremonial grandeur, cordial displays of friendship, and major announcements on defense cooperation and investment. Trump praised the crown prince’s leadership, played down concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, and highlighted sweeping new Saudi commitments to the United States.
The visit began with a lavish welcome. Fighter jets conducted a flyover as the two leaders stood on a red carpet, an honor guard arrived on horseback, and the day ended with an opulent dinner in the East Room.
During their joint appearance in the Oval Office—seven years after U.S. intelligence concluded that the crown prince had likely approved the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—the two leaders fielded questions from the press. Trump repeatedly berated one reporter who asked about human rights concerns.
Progress on defense cooperation
Trump confirmed that Washington would proceed with the long-sought sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, saying Israel’s concerns about preserving its qualitative military edge would be addressed. Some Pentagon officials have opposed the sale over fears that sensitive technology could be exposed to China, a close Saudi partner.
Trump insisted that both Israel and Saudi Arabia “should get top of the line” equipment. Israeli officials have signaled they could support the F-35 deal if Saudi Arabia agrees to normalize ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords. Prince Mohammed reiterated that Riyadh would join the framework only if it includes a credible path to a Palestinian state.
Trump also said the U.S. and Saudi Arabia were finalizing a broader security pact and continuing negotiations on a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. The two countries signed an additional deal for Saudi Arabia to purchase nearly 300 U.S.-made tanks. At the formal dinner, Trump designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally, unlocking certain defense and trade privileges.
Khashoggi’s murder largely brushed aside
The crown prince’s visit was his first to the White House since the 2018 killing of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and U.S. resident. U.S. intelligence agencies previously assessed that Prince Mohammed had approved the operation.
Pressed by reporters, Trump dismissed the questions, describing Khashoggi as “extremely controversial” and insisting the crown prince “knew nothing about it.” He also pushed back on questions about Saudi links to the 9/11 attackers.
Prince Mohammed again denied involvement in the killing and said Saudi Arabia had implemented reforms. “It’s been painful,” he said. “We’ve improved our system to ensure nothing like that happens again.”
Trump praised the kingdom for “progress on human rights,” though he did not specify which reforms he was referring to.
Full ceremonial welcome
Trump greeted the crown prince on the South Lawn with what resembled an embrace and hosted a full red-carpet reception featuring a military band and a tour of White House decorations.
Calling the prince “a very respected man” and “a longtime friend,” Trump criticised former President Joe Biden for greeting the prince with a fist bump during a 2022 visit. “You shake his hand,” Trump said, demonstrating the gesture.
The evening dinner drew an array of 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 United States from the previously announced USD 600 billion—made during Trump’s May trip to Riyadh—to USD 1 trillion. Details were not disclosed, but investments are expected to focus on technology, artificial intelligence, jet engines, and other strategic sectors.
