On Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed admiration for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling him “an incredible man” and a “great guy” during a visit to Riyadh. This marked a stark contrast to the strained relationship between Saudi Arabia and President Joe Biden, who, four years ago, had promised to make the country a “pariah” due to the alleged involvement of Crown Prince Mohammed in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump’s affectionate remarks at an investment summit reflected his longstanding positive rapport with bin Salman, which developed during his first term as president through mutual flattery and political dealings.
Trump and Bin Salman’s Partnership Focuses on Economic Gains Amid Criticism Over Human Rights
Trump’s relationship with the crown prince has been rooted in shared economic and geopolitical interests. During his visit, Trump highlighted a $142 billion defense agreement and a sweeping $600 billion Saudi investment package, covering industries like artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and energy.
For Trump, the partnership with bin Salman presents an opportunity to secure major economic wins and bolster the U.S.’s influence in the Middle East. Meanwhile, bin Salman is eager to modernize Saudi Arabia and assert its regional leadership, seeking advanced technology and military support from the U.S. in the process.
Trump Praises Saudi Crown Prince During Riyadh Visit, Strengthening Ties Amid Human Rights BacklashDespite the strong relationship between Trump and bin Salman, the partnership has been met with criticism from various quarters, including U.S. lawmakers, human rights groups, and foreign policy analysts.
These critics argue that Trump’s willingness to overlook human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, such as the murder of Khashoggi and the ongoing crackdown on political dissent, prioritizes economic and strategic interests over ethical concerns. Although bin Salman has denied any involvement in Khashoggi’s death and points to reforms such as the expansion of women’s rights, analysts argue that such progress is undermined by the repression of political freedoms.
Biden Shifts Strategy on Saudi Arabia Amid Global Instability and Rising Oil Prices
In contrast to Trump, President Joe Biden initially took a hard stance against Saudi Arabia, vowing to isolate the kingdom following Khashoggi’s murder. However, rising oil prices and global instability, especially due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, led to a shift in priorities. These factors prompted Biden to reevaluate the relationship and adopt a more pragmatic approach.
In July 2022, Biden visited the crown prince in Saudi Arabia, signaling a change in tone. While their fist bump greeting drew some criticism, it highlighted the importance of U.S.-Saudi cooperation on critical issues such as regional security and oil production.
During his visit, Trump’s personal bond with bin Salman was evident. The crown prince greeted Trump upon arrival, escorted him up an escalator, and drove him in a golf cart ahead of a state dinner. This personal camaraderie highlights the deep connection between the two leaders, which has been marked by gestures of mutual respect.
One notable moment during the trip was Trump’s pledge to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, a move he claimed was made at bin Salman’s request. This gesture was met with a standing ovation from the attendees, further solidifying the personal and political ties between the two leaders.