This week’s meeting at the White House between President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman became a notable moment in foreign relations, highlighting differences in diplomatic styles between Trump and President Joe Biden. When the former president shook hands with bin Salman, he made a pointed comment about Biden’s fist bump during their 2022 meeting, stating, “I grab that hand! I don’t give a hell where that hand’s been.” This remark not only showcased Trump’s brash style but also signaled a return to what many see as a more traditional diplomatic approach.
The optics of a handshake versus a fist bump matter in diplomacy. Trump’s decision to extend his hand stands in stark contrast to Biden’s more cautious gesture. As Trump eloquently pointed out, “When you get out of the plane… you shake his HAND.” Such statements resonate deeply in political circles, where gestures can mean more than just pleasantries—they set the tone for the entire relationship.
Moreover, the backdrop of their meeting—a strained relationship following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—adds layers to this encounter. With U.S. intelligence agencies concluding that the Crown Prince approved Khashoggi’s murder, the implications of this handshake are vast. Unlike Biden, who faced backlash for his fist bump, Trump’s visit was marked by military honors and an apparent eagerness to renew diplomatic ties, ignoring Khashoggi’s legacy. Trump’s dismissal of inquiries about Khashoggi indicated a deliberate bypassing of controversy, underscoring his focus on strengthening U.S.-Saudi relations despite prior complications.
The timing of the meeting is significant. It marks bin Salman’s return to the U.S. since Khashoggi’s death and arrives amid promises from Saudi Arabia of substantial investment in American industries—up to $1 trillion across technology to military defense. The focus on economic engagement signals a shift from moral accountability to strategic partnership, particularly as both nations work toward mutual interests in defense and technology.
In asserting, “This is how leaders do business,” Trump articulated his view on diplomacy, prioritizing respect and strength over hesitation. His criticism of Biden’s approach reflects a broader deviation from what some might term diplomatic prudence, opting instead for a robust hands-on posture. This difference could influence a range of stakeholders in Washington, especially given Biden’s ongoing challenge to navigate his foreign policy approach amid criticism.
Bin Salman’s remarks during the visit, where he expressed sorrow over Khashoggi’s death but stopped short of taking responsibility, illustrate the complexities involved. His desire to reshape his international persona hints at a larger strategy to distance himself from past controversies and solidify partnerships, particularly with the U.S., while advancing projects like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan that seeks economic diversification beyond oil.
Yet, this redirection raises critical concerns among human rights organizations. Many warn that a swift return to normalizing relations may overshadow accountability for past actions, allowing authoritarian tendencies to flourish. Sarah Yager from Human Rights Watch highlighted the dilemma: “The U.S. should be asking itself what it stands for in its dealings with leaders accused of brutal repression.” This sentiment underlines a growing anxiety around the ethics of engagement with leaders who’ve come under fire for their treatment of dissenters and the press.
Through his assertive positioning and unabashed support for the Crown Prince, Trump reinforced a transactional approach to foreign policy—one where economic benefits can trump ethical considerations. The implications of this handshake may extend beyond mere symbolism; it indicates a calculated move to prioritize strategic partnerships, potentially reshaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East. As Trump stated, “That’s how you get things done.”
Domestically, this meeting may generate further discussion regarding Biden’s handling of Middle East relations against the backdrop of Trump’s decisive actions. For voters eager for strong leadership, Trump’s firm handshake with a controversial figure exemplifies a decisive and unapologetic approach that may resonate well amid the current political climate.
In sum, this meeting and its implications serve as a vivid reminder of how gestures in politics can be more than surface-level interactions. They encapsulate broader strategies and philosophies that shape international relationships. The handshake—a simple yet powerful act—becomes a defining moment reflecting Trump’s vision of diplomacy, focused on strength, respect, and, ultimately, results.
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