On November 18, 2019, a significant moment unfolded at the White House as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia received an extraordinary welcome from President Donald Trump. The military spectacle, complete with a fighter jet flyover and a 21-gun salute, highlighted the evolving relationship between the two leaders. Critics and supporters alike took notice of this display of unity, especially against the backdrop of previous tensions surrounding the fallout from journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.
This meeting marked a notable restoration of ties, which had been frayed due to Khashoggi’s gruesome death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. While American intelligence agencies largely implicated the crown prince, Trump’s defense of bin Salman was clear-cut. Rejecting critical findings, he stated, “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about.” This moment underscored a stark contrast to the public grief expressed by Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, who took to social media to express her sorrow, stating, “There is no justification to murder my husband.”
Trump’s welcome to bin Salman was not merely ceremonial; it fulfilled critical strategic objectives. He emphasized potential Saudi investments in the U.S., suggesting a leap from $600 billion to $1 trillion. These investments are set to cover areas such as artificial intelligence and critical infrastructure, signifying a robust economic alignment. “I want to thank you because you’ve agreed to invest $600 billion into the United States,” Trump stated, emphasizing the value of this financial commitment.
In addition, the administration confirmed intentions to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision that had previously faced scrutiny due to human rights concerns. By endorsing this arms deal, Trump positioned the U.S. more firmly in the defense landscape of the Middle East. “I think they are both at a level where they should get top of the line,” he remarked, suggesting a shift in U.S. defense export policies and indicating a deeper strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Critics voiced their apprehensions, citing the potential erosion of human rights advocacy in favor of economic and military agreements. However, for Trump, the priority appeared to lie in stability and bolstered alliances against threats like Iran. In the Oval Office, bin Salman articulated a hopeful stance on Middle East diplomacy and showed interest in participating in the Abraham Accords. “We believe having a good relation with all Middle Eastern countries is a good thing,” he affirmed, highlighting the need for progress on the Palestinian front.
The visit also hinted at a potential mediator role for Saudi Arabia in future U.S.-Iran negotiations. Bin Salman’s communication with Iran’s newly elected president suggested willingness to facilitate dialogue. He voiced a commitment to aiding in a deal beneficial for all parties, stating, “We will do our best to help to reach a deal between the United States of America and Iran.”
Further discussions hinted at a broader defense arrangement that could solidify military ties akin to NATO’s collective defense principle. While nothing was formalized during the visit, Trump noted, “We pretty much have. We have reached an agreement on that.” Such remarks indicate a growing reliance on Saudi Arabia as a crucial player in U.S. defense strategies in the region.
Throughout this unfolding drama, the White House actively showcased the personal chemistry between Trump and bin Salman. A notable interaction occurred when Trump, after addressing a reporter’s Khashoggi question, defended the crown prince vehemently. “You start off with a man who is highly respected, asking him a horrible, insubordinate and just a terrible question,” Trump retorted. This illustration of loyalty was interpreted differently by various observers, revealing the complexity surrounding Trump’s approach to foreign policy and human rights.
The November visit was beneficial for both leaders. For bin Salman, it was a chance to salvage his reputation on the global stage. For Trump, it demonstrated an unwavering commitment to a foreign policy predicated on deals across economic and military fronts. With projections indicating a staggering $1 trillion in Saudi investment and further discussions on intricate defense agreements, the administration showcased an agenda focused on clear, tangible results.
In summary, while the spectacle of the fighter jets filled the skies, the true impact of the visit was grounded in the agreements and commitments that emerged during this pivotal meeting. The bilateral relationship’s recalibration emphasized America’s prioritization of economic ambition and strategic security in the volatile landscape of the Middle East.
"*" indicates required fields
