President Donald Trump’s first official call of his second term set the tone for his priorities over the next four years, with the call directed at Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS).
This early move is significant, as it reflects Trump’s approach to international relations, especially in the Middle East.
Strengthening Ties with the Crown Prince
Unlike the cautious approach taken by the Biden administration, which was hesitant due to concerns over human rights and the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Trump wasted no time in reaffirming his positive stance toward MBS.
Describing the crown prince as a “fantastic guy,” Trump made it clear that he has no reservations about cultivating a close relationship with the Saudi leader.
The White House shared that the two leaders discussed ways to stabilize the Middle East, combat terrorism, and expand economic partnerships.
One of the key topics was Saudi Arabia’s ambitious international economic goals, with both leaders exploring trade and other opportunities to enhance mutual prosperity between the U.S. and the Kingdom.
Investments and Economic Plans
Reports surfaced that Saudi Arabia plans to invest $600 billion in the U.S., a move that Trump welcomed.
In a speech to the World Economic Forum, he expressed hopes for even more, suggesting that he would push the crown prince to increase the investment to one trillion dollars.
Trump emphasized that the U.S. had been “very good” to Saudi Arabia and that such a deal would benefit both nations.
Furthermore, Trump expressed his intention to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to reduce oil prices, continuing his negotiation style of leveraging economic power for strategic gains.
Trump’s Political Style and Historical Connections
This call with MBS is in line with Trump’s pattern of political deal-making, where he fosters personal relationships to advance his goals.
During his first term, Trump made waves by choosing Saudi Arabia as the destination for his first foreign trip, breaking with the traditional protocol of visiting the U.K. first.
He justified this by pointing to the substantial $450 billion deal Saudi Arabia had agreed to purchase from the U.S.
Trump’s connection with Saudi Arabia continued after his presidency.
His golf courses hosted LIV Golf tournaments, and the Trump Organization announced several new projects in the kingdom, including a $533 million Trump Tower in Jeddah.
Human Rights and the Abraham Accords
Despite the ongoing accusations of human rights abuses against Saudi Arabia, including the Khashoggi murder, Trump remains focused on strengthening ties.
One of his goals for this term is to have Saudi Arabia sign on to the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations with Israel.
This vision aligns with broader efforts to reshape the Middle East’s political landscape.
Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also had discussions with MBS, and a State Department statement highlighted the enduring strength of the U.S.-Saudi partnership during a time of significant change.
What Lies Ahead?
As Trump continues to solidify his relationship with Saudi Arabia, the next steps could shape not only U.S.-Saudi relations but also the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
With a focus on economic growth, security, and diplomatic influence, Trump’s approach is bound to impact the region for years to come.
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