US President Donald Trump is set to roll out the red carpet for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his first visit to the United States since 2018, in an event that will feature a fly-by, cannon salute, and gala dinner. While not a head of state, Prince Mohammed, often referred to as MBS, will receive a welcome akin to a state dinner, highlighting the close ties between the US and the oil-rich Gulf kingdom.
Trump has prioritized strengthening relations with Saudi Arabia, and during this visit, he is expected to finalize the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to the kingdom, despite concerns from Israel. Additionally, a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation is expected to be signed, signaling an expansion of strategic collaboration between the two nations.
A key topic of discussion will also be Middle East peace. Trump will reportedly encourage the prince to normalize relations with Israel, aiming to broaden the Abraham Accords—a goal that remains sensitive given Saudi Arabia’s current stance and its support for a Palestinian state.
The visit comes after years of strained relations following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, an act that drew international condemnation and temporarily chilled US-Saudi ties. Despite this, the 40-year-old prince has cultivated a strong rapport with Trump and his family, reinforced during the president’s 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia where $600 billion in investment pledges were announced.
Security remains a high priority for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is seeking stronger US guarantees following Israeli strikes on Qatar last September and is looking to acquire advanced air and missile defense systems, alongside cutting-edge chips to fuel its growing AI ambitions. However, Riyadh is unlikely to commit to normalization with Israel at this stage, given ongoing regional conflicts and its push for a Palestinian state.
Trump’s agenda will also include attending a US-Saudi investment forum in Washington focused on energy and artificial intelligence, highlighting the deepening economic partnership between the two nations. Meanwhile, Saudi business ties with the Trump family continue to grow, with a recent announcement of a new luxury hotel project in the Maldives in partnership with the Trump Organization.
The visit is being watched closely worldwide, as it symbolizes both the complexities and ambitions of US-Saudi relations. Beyond politics and economics, it’s a meeting of two leaders whose personal rapport continues to shape international diplomacy in the Gulf region—a reminder that behind the headlines, relationships matter.
