On Tuesday, Nov. 18, U.S. President Donald Trump held a grand welcoming ceremony at the White House for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The event not only highlighted the close relationship between the Trump administration and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also aimed to advance several key national security agreements.
The White House prepared a lavish welcome for the Crown Prince, with high-level ceremonial arrangements. Cannons fired salutes, and the U.S. and Saudi flags were displayed on the White House. During MBS’s arrival, the U.S. military arranged flyovers above the White House as a mark of respect.
Additionally, a formal dinner with the Crown Prince was held. Sources say 120 guests are invited, with 30 from the Saudi delegation. While not a state dinner, this will be the first formal dinner hosted by President Trump during his second term specifically to welcome a foreign leader.
President Trump expressed the high importance of this visit. Speaking on Friday, he said: “We’re not just meeting; we are paying tribute to Saudi Arabia.”
Key business and defense cooperation
According to Reuters, on the eve of MBS’s arrival, President Trump told reporters that the U.S. plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. He said, “I can tell you for sure, we will do it. We will sell F-35 fighter jets.”
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This potential arms deal is highly significant, involving up to 48 F-35 jets, equivalent to two squadrons. It could shift the military balance in the Middle East and test Washington’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s “qualitative military edge.” Saudi Arabia has long been the largest U.S. weapons customer and has sought to acquire this advanced stealth fighter to modernize its air force and counter regional threats.
A senior government official revealed that the President will announce a series of key initiatives during the visit, including:
- Saudi investment in U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure.
- Strengthened cooperation in civilian nuclear energy.
- Defense sales.
- Fulfillment of Saudi Arabia’s $600 billion investment pledge announced during the President’s visit in May.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly described the visit as a “formal working visit” and said, “The American public can expect more agreements beneficial to our country, covering technology, manufacturing, critical minerals, defense, and other areas.”
President Trump also plans to attend a Saudi business summit in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.
Sensitive diplomatic issues and human rights controversy
The White House visit is expected to include a meeting and lunch in the Oval Office. In addition to bilateral economic and security cooperation, the Abraham Accords will also be a major topic.
President Trump said he hopes Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords as soon as possible. Although Saudi officials have said they will not join without a path to Palestinian statehood, Trump previously told “60 Minutes” reporter Norah O’Donnell that he believes MBS will join.
This visit marks the first U.S. trip by the Saudi Crown Prince since 2018, when Washington Post journalist and human rights activist Jamal Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
The shadow of the Khashoggi murder continues to hang over U.S.-Saudi relations. About a month after the murder, the CIA assessed that the Crown Prince ordered Khashoggi’s killing. Although MBS denies involvement, he told O’Donnell in 2019 that, as the leader of Saudi Arabia, he takes full responsibility for Khashoggi’s death.
