On May 13, 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted a significant investment summit that marked a notable moment in U.S.-Saudi relations. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed President Donald Trump, who showered the Saudi leader with praise, calling him an “incredible man” and expressing his affection with the remark, “I like him a lot. I like him too much.” This warm reception stood in stark contrast to four years ago when President Joe Biden had difficulty engaging with the crown prince, following the controversial murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
During the summit, President Trump, embarking on his second major overseas trip, emphasized the importance of the strategic relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. He highlighted a substantial $142 billion defense agreement alongside a sweeping $600 billion Saudi investment package. This investment deal aims to bolster sectors such as artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and energy, showcasing the mutual interests that bind both leaders.
The relationship between Trump and bin Salman mirrors the alliance forged during Trump’s first term, characterized by mutual admiration and extensive deal-making. However, this close relationship has attracted criticism from various quarters, including U.S. lawmakers, human rights advocates, and foreign policy experts, who argue that the administration prioritizes economic gains over addressing pressing human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
Despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s denials of involvement in Khashoggi's murder, he has pointed to social reforms, such as the expansion of women's rights, as indicators of progress in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, analysts caution that these reforms are often overshadowed by ongoing crackdowns on dissent and the suppression of political freedoms, raising questions about the authenticity of the crown prince’s commitment to human rights.
President Biden’s relationship with bin Salman has also undergone a transformation. Initially, Biden vowed to make Saudi Arabia a "pariah" due to its dismal human rights record and the Khashoggi incident. However, geopolitical pressures, notably rising oil prices exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, necessitated a recalibration of diplomatic ties. This shift culminated in Biden’s visit to the crown prince in July 2022, marked by a controversial fist bump that drew criticism for its perceived friendliness amid serious human rights concerns.
Following Biden's visit, relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia improved, particularly as the Biden administration sought to facilitate Saudi-Israeli normalization talks in exchange for expanded U.S. defense support. However, these efforts were disrupted by the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, leading to renewed conflict in the region.
During Trump's recent visit, the crown prince demonstrated his personal rapport with the U.S. president by personally escorting him and driving him in a golf cart to a state dinner. In a dramatic gesture that underscored their close relationship, Trump announced his intention to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria at bin Salman’s request, stating, “Oh, what I do for the crown prince.” This moment highlighted the depth of their bond and set the stage for future collaborations.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia remains a critical focal point, balancing economic interests with ongoing human rights considerations.
