Trump Announces $600 Billion Saudi Investment, Touts Historic Defense Deal
TL/DR –
President Trump has announced a $600 billion investment deal from Saudi Arabia during a U.S.-Saudi investment summit, which includes the “largest defense sales agreement in history.” The president praised Saudi Arabia as a model for the Middle East, while also criticizing western intervention in the region and former President Joe Biden. Despite criticism from human rights groups and State Department reports regarding Saudi Arabia’s political and human rights record, Trump has made clear his intention to strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties, with the president and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announcing multiple economic and defense agreements.
US-Saudi Investment Summit: Trump Announces Historic Defense Deal and Deepening Ties
In a historic move, President Trump announced the “largest defense sales agreement in history” at a US-Saudi investment forum, part of a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, underscoring a deepening relationship between the two nations.
Commending Saudi Arabia’s achievements, Trump blasted former President Joe Biden and western intervention, positioning Saudi Arabia as a model for the Middle East.
Alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), Mr. Trump revealed several economic and defense agreements. These moves signal his intent to strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties despite concerns from human rights groups and State Department reports about Saudi’s civil liberties, political rights, and women’s rights violations.
While emphasizing his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia in 2017, Trump praised bin Salman as a “friend.” U.S. intelligence agencies have previously linked bin Salman to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
On Tuesday, Mr. Trump reaffirmed the critical U.S.-Saudi relationship, declaring his aims to strengthen and intensify this bond.
Moreover, Trump highlighted his personal business ties to Saudi Arabia, mentioning plans for a Trump Tower in Jeddah as well as another property in Riyadh, Saudi’s capital, which he identifies as a global hub.
Rejecting the influence of western intervention, Trump attributed the Middle East’s modernization to the region’s people, criticizing nation builders and interventionists for their failures.
Detailed agreements were signed between the U.S. and Saudi, aiming for cooperation in justice, defense and international partnership. The agreements include investments in U.S. data centers and capacity building of the Saudi armed forces.
Trump declared his intention to normalize relations and lift sanctions on Syria’s new government, wishing them luck and the opportunity for peace.
Upon arrival, Trump was greeted by the Crown Prince, marking his first foreign visit of his second term. Contrary to tradition, both of Trump’s first foreign trips were to Saudi Arabia, not the United Kingdom.
During the bilateral meeting, Trump commended the Crown Prince’s wisdom, joking about Saudi’s potential purchase of $600 billion worth of military equipment.
Several prominent CEOs joined the discussions, which touched on Iran’s nuclear program, the war in Gaza, Saudi’s strategic importance and potential business opportunities.
Trump revealed future trips to Qatar and UAE. In a surprising offer, Qatar has donated a large airplane for Trump’s presidential use.
Trump defended accepting the plane as a gift, saying he would be “a stupid person” to reject it.
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