President Trump received an extravagant welcome in Saudi Arabia as he initiates a Gulf tour aiming to secure over $1 trillion in new business agreements. Joined by top U.S. executives, he meets with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while maintaining a focus on investments in technology and energy.**
**Trump Embarks on Gulf Tour with Lavish Reception in Saudi Arabia**
**Trump Embarks on Gulf Tour with Lavish Reception in Saudi Arabia**
**In an ambitious four-day trip, President Trump seeks multi-trillion dollar business deals during his first international visit of his second term, starting in Riyadh.**
President Trump stepped onto a lavender carpet in Riyadh, marking the beginning of his four-day Gulf tour, which includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. As the first significant overseas trip of his second term, Trump received an opulent welcome from Saudi officials, complete with an honor guard and a grand assembly of Arabian horses. Accompanying him were prominent members of his administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
This visit underscores Trump's strategy to bolster business relationships and secure significant deals totaling more than $1 trillion across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The agenda promises lucrative agreements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and energy production, with potential arms purchases from American manufacturers also on the table.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended a warm reception to Trump, who has cultivated a unique rapport with the royal family—a stark contrast to President Biden's less favorable interactions during his 2022 visit. Business magnates from top companies such as Tesla and IBM joined the delegation, anticipating investments from Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning funds, with AI being a focal point of their discussions.
Trump's family interests seem aligned with the visit, including a significant donation in the form of a luxury Boeing 747-8 by the Qatari royal family—an action likely to stir political scrutiny. Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Schumer has announced plans to stall some of Trump's judicial appointees pending clarification on this controversial gift.
In a notable statement, Trump suggested an increase in Saudi investment commitments to the U.S. beyond the previously pledged $600 billion, pushing for a goal of $1 trillion, though economists question the kingdom's financial capacity for such an escalation. As the discussions unfold, Trump's pursuit of more business checks may further intertwine his administration with Saudi financial interests.
Amidst this high-powered engagement, Trump also voiced interest in participating in upcoming peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, a move that could heighten international tensions. With past presidential visits to Saudi Arabia often generating headline moments, expectations are set for another memorable chapter in U.S.-Saudi relations as events continue to develop during this Gulf tour.
