Saudi Arabia Eyes $600 Billion Investment in the U.S. as Crown Prince Discusses Economic Ties with Trump
In a recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the kingdom’s intentions to invest approximately $600 billion in the United States over the next four years. This development follows Trump’s inclination towards prioritizing Saudi Arabia for his first foreign visit after re-entering the White House, reminiscent of his 2017 trip.
The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported that the Crown Prince expressed the kingdom’s commitment to expanding its trade and investments with the U.S., a move that could potentially extend beyond the stated amount. While the specifics of these investments remain unclear, it’s evident that the U.S.-Saudi relationship, traditionally centered on oil exports, is evolving. In recent years, Saudi sovereign wealth funds have increasingly acquired significant stakes in American companies and explored opportunities in the sports sector.
President Trump’s 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia marked a departure from the tradition of U.S. presidents visiting the United Kingdom on their first foreign trip. This visit underscored the close bond between his administration and the leadership of the Gulf’s oil-rich states, highlighted by the Trump Organization’s business ventures in the region.
During an Oval Office discussion, Trump mentioned the possibility of making Saudi Arabia his first overseas destination once again. “The first foreign trip typically has been with the U.K. but … I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our products,” Trump stated. He further added, “If Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another $450 billion or $500 — we’ll up it for all the inflation — I think I’d probably go.”
While there was no immediate confirmation from the White House regarding the call, it remains uncertain if this was Trump’s first interaction with a foreign leader since his recent tenure began. The announcement of the call, however, stands as the first reported international engagement.
Additionally, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaged in a dialogue with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the same day. The prince, wielding significant power in the kingdom, has maintained close ties with the Trump administration, even amidst controversial events such as the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia has been in prolonged discussions with the Biden administration, seeking a broader agreement to recognize Israel diplomatically in exchange for U.S. defense support and other benefits.
The 2017 visit also triggered a diplomatic crisis, leading to a boycott of Qatar by four Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia. This strategic alliance has seen the kingdom continue its relationship with the U.S., navigating through complex geopolitical landscapes.
