Trump Welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to White House
Elaborate Welcome Ceremony
On November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House, showcasing the administration’s strong ties with Saudi Arabia. The arrival ceremony featured an impressive military display, including a U.S. military flyover, cannons, horses, and a red carpet. The South Lawn was adorned with American and Saudi flags, and the crown prince was greeted by a military band as he arrived. Following an exchange of greetings and a handshake, Trump and bin Salman watched a formation of fighter jets fly before proceeding inside the White House.
Strategic Discussions and Economic Deals
Ahead of bin Salman’s visit, Trump announced that the U.S. would move forward with plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. An exclusive black-tie dinner was scheduled in honor of the crown prince, with approximately 120 guests, including 30 members of the Saudi delegation. Although not classified as a state dinner, it marks Trump’s first formal dinner for a foreign leader during his second term.
During the visit, a senior administration official indicated that announcements would center around Saudi investments in U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure, civil nuclear energy collaboration, and defense sales. The meeting is also expected to cover Saudi Arabia’s $600 billion investment pledge, initially made during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May.
According to White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, the trip is categorized as “an official working visit,” expected to produce beneficial agreements spanning technology, manufacturing, and critical minerals, among other sectors. Trump also planned to attend a Saudi business summit in Washington, co-hosted by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia and the U.S.-Saudi Business Council.
Context of U.S.-Saudi Relations
The relationship between the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia, particularly with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been characterized by strategic partnerships in both security and business, especially in the context of a changing Middle East landscape. As common interests align, the discussion will also address the Abraham Accords, a cornerststart initiative from Trump’s first term aimed at normalizing diplomatic relations between Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE. Trump expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would soon join these accords, provided there is progress towards Palestinian statehood.
The Trump Organization has established long-standing ties to Saudi Arabia, with ongoing plans for developments such as a Trump Tower in Jeddah and a Trump-branded property in Riyadh. Furthermore, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, has connections to Saudi investments, including a $2 billion infusion into his private equity firm from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
Controversial Background and Human Rights Concerns
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit marks the first to the United States since the 2018 murder of journalist and human rights activist Jamal Khashoggi, a case that has cast a long shadow over Saudi-U.S. relations. While the CIA suggested that bin Salman ordered Khashoggi’s assassination, he has denied involvement, claiming responsibility as the leader of the kingdom. Despite the controversy, Trump maintained that Saudi Arabia is a vital ally, especially in the fight against Iran.
Human rights advocates expressed dismay over the warm reception bin Salman received, given the record of human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. Raed Jarrar of Democracy for the Arab World Now criticized Trump for not addressing Khashoggi’s murder, while Sarah Leah Whitson from DAWN referred to bin Salman’s welcome as an extraordinary political feat in light of previous sanctions against him.
The evolving dynamics of U.S.-Saudi relations under the Trump administration will continue to be scrutinized, particularly regarding human rights and political accountability.