President Donald Trump sent a message to the world in Saudi Arabia: make business deals and the US won’t meddle in your affairs.

Trump’s Saudi Arabia Visit: A New Era of Deal-Making Diplomacy

On May 13, 2025, President Donald Trump embarked on his first overseas trip of his second term, landing in Saudi Arabia to deliver a bold message to the world: prioritize business deals, and the United States will steer clear of meddling in your internal affairs. This visit, marked by a warm reception from Saudi leadership and a $600 billion investment commitment, signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy—one that emphasizes commerce over conflict and sidelines traditional concerns about human rights or nation-building. Here’s a deep dive into the purpose of Trump’s trip, its implications for Saudi Arabia and the world, and the broader message it sends to regions like China, Europe, and Asia.

A Warm Welcome and a Transactional Vision

Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia was more than a diplomatic courtesy; it was a stage to unveil his foreign policy playbook. Speaking in Riyadh, he praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling him a close ally and lauding Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts, such as the construction of one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers in Jeddah. “I like him a lot—too much,” Trump said of the crown prince, signaling a personal rapport that underpins his deal-making approach.

The centerpiece of the visit was Saudi Arabia’s pledge of $600 billion in investments to the U.S., including a $142 billion arms deal. While some analysts question whether these figures include previously announced commitments, the announcement underscores Trump’s focus on economic partnerships. He framed the Middle East as a region poised for “commerce, not chaos,” urging nations like Iran, Lebanon, and Syria to seize opportunities for prosperity through trade and investment with the U.S.

Rejecting Nation-Building and Human Rights Rhetoric

Unlike his predecessors, Trump explicitly distanced himself from the U.S.’s historical role as a promoter of democracy or human rights. “The so-called nation builders wrecked far more nations than they built,” he declared, criticizing past interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also dismissed the idea that the U.S. should “look into the souls of foreign leaders” to judge their actions, a stance that contrasts sharply with the policies of presidents like Barack Obama or Joe Biden, who grappled with balancing human rights advocacy and strategic interests.

This approach resonates with Trump’s MAGA base, which has long opposed “forever wars” and foreign entanglements. By rejecting nation-building, Trump is signaling that his administration will not pressure allies like Saudi Arabia on issues like the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which Biden once vowed to address but later softened on. Instead, Trump’s team is slashing foreign aid and proposing a State Department overhaul that would downgrade its democracy and human rights office, prioritizing an “America First” lens focused on mutual economic benefits.

Benefits for Saudi Arabia and the World

For Saudi Arabia: A Strategic Partnership

Saudi Arabia stands to gain significantly from Trump’s visit. The kingdom’s leadership, eager to diversify its economy under Vision 2030, sees the U.S. as a key partner in achieving its modernization goals. The $600 billion investment commitment, if realized, could strengthen Saudi Arabia’s global economic standing while deepening ties with the U.S. The arms deal, in particular, bolsters Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities amid regional tensions with Iran.

Trump’s willingness to overlook past controversies, such as Khashoggi’s killing, provides Saudi Arabia with diplomatic breathing room. By aligning with Trump’s deal-making ethos, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman can advance his domestic agenda without the scrutiny that characterized U.S.-Saudi relations under previous administrations.

For the World: A Model for Pragmatic Diplomacy

Trump’s visit offers a blueprint for other nations seeking to engage with the U.S. His decision to lift sanctions on Syria, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, and his planned meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, despite Sharaa’s controversial past, illustrate a willingness to reset relationships for strategic gain. This move has garnered cautious support from some U.S. lawmakers, like Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who see it as a chance to counter Iranian and Russian influence in the region.

Globally, Trump’s approach could encourage nations to prioritize economic partnerships over ideological alignment. Countries in the Middle East and beyond may see the U.S. as a more predictable partner, one that values trade and investment over moral posturing. However, this shift raises questions about accountability, particularly for nations with poor human rights records.

A Message to China, Europe, and Asia

Trump’s Saudi Arabia speech carries distinct messages for key global regions, each tailored to his transactional worldview.

To China: Compete on Economic Terms

For China, Trump’s visit signals that the U.S. is doubling down on economic influence in the Middle East, a region where Beijing has sought to expand its Belt and Road Initiative. By securing massive Saudi investments, Trump is positioning the U.S. as a formidable competitor for economic partnerships. His message to China is clear: the U.S. is open for business, and nations that align with Washington’s trade goals will gain preferential access to its markets and resources.

To Europe: Rethink Traditional Alliances

Europe, long accustomed to U.S. advocacy for democratic values, may find Trump’s approach unsettling. His criticism of Germany over its treatment of the far-right Alternative for Germany party and his acceptance of white Afrikaner farmers from South Africa over claims of “genocide” suggest a reorientation of U.S. priorities. European leaders may need to adapt to a U.S. that values economic deals over shared democratic ideals, potentially straining traditional alliances.

To Asia: Embrace Pragmatism

In Asia, where countries like India, Japan, and South Korea navigate complex regional dynamics, Trump’s message resonates as an invitation to focus on trade and investment. His willingness to forge partnerships with leaders like El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, despite their authoritarian leanings, suggests that Asian nations can expect a U.S. that prioritizes economic cooperation over ideological conformity. This could appeal to governments seeking flexibility in their foreign policy.

Key Announcements and Strategic Moves from Trump’s Visit

Trump’s visit was packed with significant announcements and strategic decisions that underscore his deal-making diplomacy and vision for global stability through economic partnerships. These moves not only strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties but also set the tone for America’s engagement with the broader Middle East and beyond.

Celebrating 80 Years of U.S.-Saudi Partnership

At the Saudi-America Investment Forum in Riyadh, Trump highlighted the 80-year history of bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, calling it a cornerstone for future stability. He emphasized the potential for this partnership to drive economic growth, with Saudi investments expected to create up to 2 million jobs in the U.S. and potentially reach $1 trillion in the future.

Lifting Sanctions on Syria

In a major policy shift, Trump announced the removal of all U.S. sanctions on Syria to support its reconstruction and economic recovery following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. He expressed plans to meet Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, signaling a pragmatic approach to engaging with controversial figures to advance U.S. interests and counter Iranian and Russian influence in the region.

A Tough Stance on Iran

Trump took a dual approach toward Iran, expressing openness to negotiations but issuing a stern warning: if Iran rejects his offer, the U.S. will completely halt its oil exports. This carrot-and-stick strategy aims to pressure Iran into aligning with U.S. economic and security goals while maintaining diplomatic flexibility.

Mediating India-Pakistan Ceasefire

Trump revealed that the U.S. played a mediating role in securing a recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, using trade as a tool to foster peace. This move highlights his belief in economic incentives as a means to resolve conflicts, potentially setting a precedent for U.S. diplomacy in other volatile regions.

Pushing for Saudi Inclusion in Abraham Accords

Trump expressed optimism that Saudi Arabia would join the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-brokered agreement that normalized diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations. Saudi Arabia’s participation could further reshape Middle Eastern alliances, enhancing regional stability through economic and diplomatic cooperation.

Addressing the Gaza Conflict

On the Gaza conflict, Trump stressed that the region’s civilians deserve a better future, but he conditioned this on local leaders ending violence and oppression. His remarks reflect a hands-off approach, prioritizing regional actors’ responsibility over direct U.S. intervention.

Halting Military Action Against Yemen’s Houthis

Trump announced that the U.S. would cease military operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, noting that American forces had conducted over 1,100 strikes by March 2025. This decision aligns with his campaign promise to end prolonged military engagements, redirecting focus toward diplomatic and economic solutions.

Advancing Ukraine Peace Talks

In a nod to global conflict resolution, Trump disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would travel to Istanbul to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This initiative underscores Trump’s commitment to brokering deals to end major conflicts, leveraging U.S. influence to bring warring parties to the table.

Strengthening Ties with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Trump showered praise on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing him as “wiser than his years” and emphasizing their strong personal bond. This relationship, built on mutual trust, is poised to anchor a new strategic partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, with economic and defense cooperation at its core.

Massive Investment and Defense Agreements

The visit culminated in monumental economic and defense agreements. Saudi Arabia committed $600 billion in investments to the U.S., with Trump suggesting this could grow to $1 trillion. A landmark $142 billion defense deal, described by the White House as the largest in history, will supply Saudi Arabia with C-130 transport aircraft, advanced missiles, radar systems, and other weaponry from U.S. defense firms. Additionally, both nations signed a comprehensive agreement to deepen cooperation in energy, mining, and defense, with further details to be released soon.

Gulf Summit and Regional Diplomacy

Trump’s itinerary includes participation in a Gulf Summit in Riyadh, attended by representatives from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. This summit aims to strengthen regional cooperation and align Gulf nations with U.S. economic and security objectives. Following the summit, Trump will travel to Qatar, where the Qatari government may present him with a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a diplomatic gift, further cementing ties with Gulf allies.

Potential Risks and Criticisms

While Trump’s approach has its appeal, it’s not without risks. Critics, including Stephen Pomper of the International Crisis Group, argue that Trump’s dismissal of human rights and democratic ideals could embolden authoritarian regimes. The Trump family’s business ties in the region—spanning real estate ventures in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—also raise concerns about conflicts of interest, potentially undermining the credibility of U.S. diplomacy.

Moreover, the $600 billion investment figure has drawn skepticism, with some reports suggesting it may include rehashed commitments or inflated numbers. If these deals fail to materialize, it could weaken Trump’s narrative of economic triumph. Additionally, his embrace of controversial figures like Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose ties to extremist groups raise red flags, could backfire if these partnerships destabilize the region.

Looking Ahead: A New Foreign Policy Paradigm?

Trump’s Saudi Arabia visit marks a pivotal moment in his second term, crystallizing a foreign policy that prioritizes deals over dogma. By championing commerce and sidelining human rights, he’s reshaping the U.S.’s role on the global stage. For Saudi Arabia, the visit strengthens a strategic partnership that aligns with its modernization ambitions. For the world, it offers a pragmatic, if controversial, model for engaging with the U.S.

As Trump continues his term, the success of this approach will hinge on whether economic partnerships deliver tangible results without sacrificing long-term stability. For now, his message from Riyadh is unmistakable: make deals, forget the past, and the U.S. will be your partner in building a future defined by prosperity, not conflict.