BREAKING: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has just announced a monumental investment commitment of $1 trillion in the United States, significantly increasing the previous pledge of $600 billion. This urgent update comes during a high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on October 17, 2023, marking the crown prince’s first visit in seven years.
The investment will target strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, which the crown prince described as “real opportunities.” Following the announcement, President Trump enthusiastically stated, “I’m glad you got that out. I didn’t want to be the one to tell them, but that’s great news,” highlighting the significance of this partnership for both nations.
The visit featured a ceremonial welcome complete with a flyover of six U.S. fighter jets, emphasizing the strength of U.S.-Saudi relations. During their discussions in the Oval Office, the two leaders also addressed a range of critical bilateral and regional issues. The Saudi Foreign Ministry previously confirmed the meeting’s agenda, focusing on enhancing cooperation across various fields.
This announcement comes on the heels of Trump’s intention to advance the sale of advanced F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that could dramatically bolster the kingdom’s military capabilities. In a statement, Trump remarked, “I am planning on doing it. They’ve been a great ally… we’ll be selling F-35s.” However, experts warn that such purchases may conflict with Saudi Arabia’s longer-term aspirations to develop a domestic defense industry.
The timing of the crown prince’s visit is notable, as the U.S. recently adopted a U.N. Security Council resolution endorsing Trump’s Gaza cease-fire plan, which Saudi Arabia supported. The crown prince’s presence in Washington underscores a critical juncture in U.S.-Saudi relations, particularly as discussions about regional stability and normalization with Israel intensify.
Saudi Ambassador to the United States Reema Bandar Al-Saud described the visit as “a new and exciting chapter in Saudi-U.S. relations,” emphasizing its potential to contribute positively to global stability.
Saudi Arabia remains a vital trading partner for the U.S., with approximately $9.5 billion in investments reported for 2023. The two nations’ goods trade in 2024 totaled $25.9 billion, showcasing the deep economic ties that underpin their relationship.
This visit also carries significant historical weight, as it marks the crown prince’s first trip to the U.S. since the controversial assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018. A U.S. intelligence report implicated the crown prince in approving the operation that led to Khashoggi’s death, an issue that continues to cast a shadow over his international engagements.
As the details of this unprecedented investment commitment unfold, all eyes will be on how these developments shape the future of U.S.-Saudi relations and their impact on global geopolitics. The situation is evolving rapidly, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.
