Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to receive a grand welcome from US President Donald Trump today during his first visit to the United States since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the US and the oil-rich Gulf kingdom, with major defense and nuclear agreements on the agenda.
Trump is expected to honor the crown prince with a ceremonial fly-by, cannon salute, and gala dinner—akin to a state dinner—despite the prince not being a head of state. The president has made boosting US-Saudi relations a priority, even announcing plans to sell coveted F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, a move that has sparked concerns from Israel.
In addition to defense deals, the two leaders are expected to sign a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation, signaling a broader commitment to strategic partnerships. Trump will also encourage Prince Mohammed, commonly referred to as MBS, to normalize relations with Israel, aiming to advance peace efforts in the Middle East following the recent conflict in Gaza.
“We’re more than meeting,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “We’re honoring Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince.”
For Prince Mohammed, this visit represents a fresh chapter in US relations following the global outrage sparked by Khashoggi’s murder. The 40-year-old heir to the throne has maintained close personal and business ties with Trump and his family, reinforced during the president’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May, where $600 billion in investment pledges were unveiled.
Security and Strategic Interests
Beyond ceremonial fanfare, the crown prince is keen to secure stronger US security guarantees amid regional tensions following Israeli strikes in Qatar last September. Saudi Arabia is seeking advanced air and missile defense systems alongside F-35 jets, as well as access to high-tech chips critical for its AI ambitions.
However, Riyadh remains cautious on the issue of Israel normalization. While Trump is eager for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, progress has stalled due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Saudi Arabia’s push for a Palestinian state.
Despite differences on policy, the visit highlights the personal rapport between Trump and Prince Mohammed, often referred to as a “bromance” by both leaders. The crown prince will also attend a US-Saudi investment forum focused on energy and artificial intelligence in Washington, further emphasizing the economic dimension of their partnership.
In a demonstration of ongoing business collaboration, Saudi developer Dar Global announced a new partnership with the Trump Organization to build a luxury hotel in the Maldives, allowing investors to participate through digital tokens.
The visit underscores a complex blend of politics, security, and business, highlighting how personal ties and strategic interests shape US-Saudi relations.
