Money Talks (and Listens) at Saudi Investment Forum Attended by Trump
In May 2025, President Donald Trump embarked on a four-day Middle East tour, beginning with a significant visit to Saudi Arabia. The trip was marked by a lavish reception and the announcement of substantial economic agreements aimed at strengthening U.S.-Saudi relations.
Lavish Reception in Riyadh
Upon arrival in Riyadh, President Trump was greeted with an opulent ceremony. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) welcomed him with a ceremonial escort of Arabian horses and golden swords, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral ties. This grand reception underscored the personal and political alignment between the two leaders. (apnews.com)
Major Economic Agreements Unveiled
During the visit, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia announced over $600 billion in deals, focusing on advanced technologies and infrastructure. Key highlights include:
- Artificial Intelligence Investments: Saudi AI company Humain plans to deploy hundreds of thousands of Nvidia AI chips, marking one of the largest state-backed AI investments. (ft.com)
- Defense Contracts: A $142 billion deal from over a dozen U.S. defense firms will deliver advanced military capabilities to Riyadh. (ft.com)
- Infrastructure Projects: Saudi Arabia committed to investing $600 billion in the U.S., with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and energy. (reuters.com)
These agreements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil reliance. (time.com)
Policy Shifts and Regional Diplomacy
In a significant policy shift, President Trump announced the removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria, aiming to promote reconstruction and normalize relations under its new government. (reuters.com) Additionally, Trump proposed a new Iran nuclear deal and emphasized de-escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the trip’s focus on regional stability. (apnews.com)
The visit underscores a strategic move to bolster economic partnerships and assert U.S. influence in the Middle East, with both nations seeking to capitalize on mutual interests in technology, defense, and infrastructure.