Donald Trump was questioned about potential conflicts of interest regarding his family's business dealings in Saudi Arabia during his presidency—the Trump Organization has multiple operational projects in the country.
Last month, the Trump Organization also announced plans to build Trump Plaza in Saudi Arabia, featuring "a vibrant green axis inspired by Central Park, bringing Manhattan-style energy to downtown Jeddah." Trump insisted he has no involvement with his family’s business.
"There’s nothing wrong with what my family is doing. They do business all over the world. In fact, they have very little business with Saudi Arabia. They could have done much more. I believe they can do a lot of business. And everything they do is done very well," Trump said.
During a dinner held at the East Room on the evening of the 18th local time, Trump announced the designation of Saudi Arabia as a "major non-NATO ally" and praised the kingdom’s investment commitments to the U.S.
"Tonight, I’m pleased to announce that we will elevate our military cooperation to a higher level by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally—a very significant thing for them," Trump stated.
He also announced the signing of a strategic defense agreement between the two nations.
Although Trump did not disclose details of the agreement, a fact sheet on the visit revealed that the U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement (SDA) would "streamline operations for U.S. defense companies in Saudi Arabia," ensure "new cost-sharing funds from Saudi Arabia to cover U.S. expenses," and affirm "the Kingdom’s recognition of the U.S. as its primary strategic partner." With this new designation, Saudi Arabia joins U.S. allies such as Australia, Israel, and Qatar.
The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit was described as an "official working visit," aimed at following up on and advancing Trump’s May trip to Riyadh—his first formal foreign visit during his second term. During that visit, Trump announced a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, which the White House described as the "largest defense cooperation agreement in Washington’s history."
The Saudi Crown Prince unveiled a $600 billion investment plan spanning multiple sectors, including energy security, defense, technology, global infrastructure, and critical minerals.
Under this $600 billion commitment, Saudi Arabia also announced investments in U.S. AI data centers, energy infrastructure, advanced technology, Saudi infrastructure projects, U.S. energy equipment and commercial aircraft, U.S. medical supply chains, and the U.S. sports industry.
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