SAUDI-ARABIA: Donald Trump’s latest foreign trip began with a grand and symbolic arrival in Saudi Arabia, where he was welcomed with elaborate pageantry. Upon landing, a lavender-colored carpet representing desert wildflowers and Saudi hospitality was rolled out, perfectly matching the former president’s purple tie.
A royal guard and a parade of Arabian horses greeted him, underscoring the significance of the visit for both countries.
On the first day of his trip, Trump announced a major $142 billion arms deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement includes a range of American-made military equipment from fighter jets to advanced missile systems.
Saudi leaders also indicated that the overall partnership could eventually reach a value of $1 trillion, marking a significant expansion in U.S.-Saudi economic ties.
Praising what he described as the “strongest ever” U.S.-Saudi relationship, Trump told a packed investment forum, Wealth has poured and is pouring into America. His focus throughout the visit has been to attract foreign investment into the U.S. economy and highlight opportunities for mutual economic growth.
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Accompanying Trump on the trip are several top American business leaders, including CEOs from major technology and financial firms.
Their presence highlights a key emphasis on innovation and economic collaboration, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence.
One U.S. tech firm has already pledged to sell over 18,000 AI chips to a Saudi company to help bolster the kingdom’s emerging tech sector.
In a surprise development, Trump also announced that the United States would lift all sanctions on Syria sanctions that had been in place for over a decade.
Originally imposed to isolate the previous Syrian regime, these sanctions had limited foreign investment and aid to the war-torn country.
Citing leadership reforms and a new transitional government in Syria, Trump said it was time for the country to rebuild. He noted that lifting sanctions would allow Gulf states and other partners to legally fund reconstruction efforts, including the rebuilding of infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and roads damaged during the 13-year conflict.
Trump suggested the move came at the request of Saudi leaders. Oh, what I do for the crown prince, he joked during his remarks, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The Syrian government welcomed the announcement, calling it a new start, while a former U.S. ambassador to Syria supported the decision, emphasizing the country’s urgent need for foreign assistance to recover.
Trump is expected to meet Syria’s new transitional president during his time in Saudi Arabia, signaling a potential thaw in U.S.-Syria relations.
While Trump touched briefly on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, his comments were limited.
He said the people of Gaza deserve a better future but blamed militant groups for prolonging the suffering, accusing them of kidnapping, torturing, and targeting civilians.
Trump also reiterated his desire to see Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords, a normalization initiative launched during his first term to foster diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab nations.
However, Saudi officials have maintained they will not move forward without a resolution to the Gaza conflict and tangible progress toward Palestinian statehood.
Throughout the visit, Trump’s message remained consistent: strong economies create stronger, more stable nations. By promoting trade, investment, and diplomacy, he aims to foster peace through prosperity.
Saudi leaders appeared receptive to the message, signaling continued interest in deepening their economic partnership with the U.S.
Trump’s next stops include Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, where more major financial announcements and investment deals are expected.
