Trump Gives Lavish Welcome to Saudi Prince

President Trump hosted Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday, marking the prince’s first trip to the United States since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The incident, which U.S. intelligence agencies linked to the crown prince, sent relations between Washington and Riyadh into a yearslong “tailspin,” according to the AP. But Tuesday’s elaborate reception signaled a renewed chapter, as the two leaders opened what the Wall Street Journal described as two packed days of talks and potential agreements. During a session with reporters, Trump said the crown prince “knew nothing” about Khashoggi’s murder.

Although this is not officially a state visit—MBS is crown prince, not king—he is widely viewed as the kingdom’s de facto leader. The New York Times noted that the ceremony “exceeded the typical pomp for a visiting foreign leader,” complete with a Marine band, a fighter jet flyover, and mounted officers carrying both nations’ flags. Trump greeted the prince with a warm handshake and a pat on the back before the two sat down for a working lunch. The crown prince is scheduled to return later for a state dinner.

On the agenda are several high-stakes initiatives, including a potential U.S.–Saudi mutual defense pact, expanded cooperation on artificial intelligence, and a deal that could eventually allow Saudi Arabia access to U.S. nuclear technology. Trump is also spotlighting a previously announced Saudi plan to invest $600 billion in the United States, first unveiled during his trip to Riyadh. In addition, he has signaled his support for moving forward with sales of F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom, despite Pentagon concerns about Saudi Arabia’s growing relationship with China.