Washington, D.C. – President Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with unprecedented pomp on November 18, 2025, in a black-tie state dinner marking the first such honor of his second term. The high-stakes visit yielded massive wins: approval of long-sought F-35 stealth fighters for Riyadh, multibillion-dollar AI and defense contracts, and Saudi commitments to fund Gaza rebuilding under Trump’s plan.
Amid crystal chandeliers and Oval Office huddles, Trump hailed MBS as a “true partner” for Middle East stability, sidelining past controversies like the Khashoggi murder. The deals promise U.S. jobs and stronger ties against Iran, while advancing Abraham Accords expansion. Critics decried the embrace of the de facto ruler, but pragmatism prevailed in reshaping regional power dynamics.
