Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a lavish White House welcome on Tuesday as he met with President Donald Trump for a visit aimed at strengthening security cooperation, expanding economic ties and further restoring his international standing following the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The visit and details of the agenda were drawn from reporting by Reuters.
Making his first appearance at the White House in more than seven years, the crown prince arrived to a full ceremonial display on the South Lawn, including an honor guard, cannon salute and flyover by U.S. warplanes. Trump greeted him with a handshake and a smile as military personnel lined the red carpet and the Saudi delegation’s motorcade made its way up the South Drive.
According to Reuters, the two leaders are expected to discuss enhanced security collaboration, expanded civil nuclear cooperation and a series of multibillion-dollar commercial agreements. However, U.S. officials downplayed expectations for progress on a potential Saudi move to normalize relations with Israel, despite Trump’s push for a diplomatic breakthrough.
The meeting highlights the resilience of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, even as the global backlash over Khashoggi’s killing has softened in recent years. U.S. intelligence assessments previously concluded that the crown prince approved the operation that led to Khashoggi’s death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. While he has denied ordering the killing, he has acknowledged responsibility as the kingdom’s de facto ruler.
Bin Salman’s agenda in Washington includes Oval Office talks, a Cabinet Room lunch and a formal black-tie dinner—events that collectively resemble a state visit. Streets surrounding the White House were lined with U.S. and Saudi flags as the delegations arrived.
Trump is seeking to build on a $600 billion Saudi investment pledge announced during his own trip to the kingdom in May. A senior U.S. official told Reuters that both sides are preparing agreements involving defense sales, nuclear energy cooperation and a major Saudi investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The president has also indicated support for Saudi Arabia’s long-standing request to purchase F-35 fighter jets. Riyadh has reportedly asked to buy 48 aircraft, a sale that would mark the first transfer of the advanced jets to a Middle Eastern nation other than Israel—potentially reshaping regional military dynamics.
Beyond weapons deals, the crown prince is pressing for stronger U.S. security guarantees. Analysts expect Trump to issue an executive order outlining new defense assurances similar to those recently extended to Qatar, though short of the fully ratified treaty-level pact Saudi Arabia once sought.
