Trump Rolls Out Red Carpet for Saudi Crown Prince MBS Amid Defense and Nuclear Deals
Washington – United States President Donald Trump is set to give Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a grand welcome at the White House on Tuesday, 19 November 2025, complete with a fly-by, cannon fire and a gala dinner akin to a state visit. This marks the prince’s first trip to the US since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with talks expected to cover major defense sales, nuclear cooperation and Middle East peace efforts.
The visit highlights Trump’s push to strengthen ties with the oil-rich kingdom, despite past tensions. As the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, often called MBS, the 40-year-old prince aims for a new chapter in relations, backed by close personal bonds with Trump and his family.
Lavish Reception and High-Stakes Agenda
Trump’s team has pulled out all stops for the crown prince, treating him like a head of state even though he is not one. Saudi flags line Pennsylvania Avenue, signalling the warm embrace. “We’re more than meeting,” Trump said on Air Force One last Friday. “We’re honoring Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince.” [0] [1] [2]
Key items on the table include selling advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move Trump flagged on Monday despite Israel’s worries about regional balance. [0] [3] A source close to the talks revealed plans to sign a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation, another area of past friction. [0]
Trump will also urge MBS to normalise ties with Israel, building on the Abraham Accords from his first term. “We have a lot of people joining the Abraham Accords and hopefully we are going to get Saudi Arabia very soon,” Trump said earlier this month. [4] [5] This push comes amid efforts for a wider Middle East peace after the Gaza war.
MBS’s Priorities: Security and Tech Boost
The crown prince brings his own wishlist, seeking stronger US security pledges after recent Israeli strikes on Qatar shook the Gulf. Beyond F-35s, Riyadh wants top air and missile defence systems. It also eyes access to cutting-edge chips for its AI goals.
However, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to rush into Israel ties without steps toward a Palestinian state. Talks on normalisation paused after the October 2023 Gaza conflict outbreak.
The visit includes a US-Saudi investment forum on Wednesday, focusing on energy and AI, which Trump plans to attend.
Shadow of Khashoggi and Past Ties
The trip revives memories of the 2018 Khashoggi murder in Istanbul’s Saudi consulate, which strained US-Saudi relations. US intelligence pointed to MBS approving the operation, a claim Riyadh denies.
Yet, Trump and MBS share a history of warm relations, including Trump’s 2017 Saudi visit with $600 billion in deals. Trump’s family business links continue – on Monday, Saudi firm Dar Global announced a Maldives hotel project with the Trump Organization.
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