On November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House for high-level discussions focused on trade, security, and potential multi-billion-dollar agreements, marking a significant warming in U.S.-Saudi relations under the new administration. The visit included an opulent welcome ceremony with a military flyover and a private dinner, underscoring Trump's emphasis on strengthening ties with the oil-rich kingdom.
During the meeting, Trump dismissed U.S. intelligence findings linking MBS to the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, stating that the crown prince "knew nothing" about it and brushing off the incident by saying, "Things happen." Instead, the talks highlighted potential deals, including offers for advanced fighter jets and business investments reportedly worth up to a trillion dollars, aimed at boosting economic cooperation and regional security. Trump praised Saudi Arabia extensively, avoiding topics like human rights, executions, or terrorism—contrasting with how such issues are often raised in meetings with leaders from less affluent regions.Additionally, sources indicate MBS lobbied Trump to pressure the United Arab Emirates to cease arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's ongoing conflict, highlighting tensions between Gulf allies over regional influence. This visit comes amid broader efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, potentially integrating Saudi Arabia into normalized relations with Israel, and follows Trump's recent engagements with other Arab leaders.The event has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising the economic benefits while others criticize the overlooking of human rights concerns. Unlike President Biden's more reserved approach—such as a fist bump during a 2022 visit without a White House invitation—Trump's hosting signals a return to his first-term strategy of close alignment with MBS.