Trump rolls out red carpet for MBS as deals, defense and AI top agenda

US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, marking the royal’s first visit to the residence in over seven years. The ceremony featured full honors on the South Lawn before the two leaders began talks focused on deepening security and commercial ties.

US officials signalled that the visit could unlock defence sales, civil nuclear cooperation and fresh Saudi investment commitments in the United States, building on a previously announced $600 billion pledge. Washington and Riyadh were also expected to discuss a multibillion-dollar investment push in US artificial-intelligence infrastructure.

While Trump has pressed for a breakthrough on Saudi-Israel normalisation, officials tempered expectations, indicating no dramatic shift was likely. The White House itinerary included Oval Office talks, a working lunch and a black-tie dinner, underscoring the administration’s effort to highlight the strategic partnership with the world’s top oil exporter.

Saudi priorities outlined around the visit include advanced defence capabilities, technology partnerships and nuclear energy collaboration. Trump, meanwhile, indicated the US is prepared to advance an F-35 fighter jet sale request, a step that would mark a significant policy turn and reshape regional defence balances if concluded.