Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced during a meeting with President Donald Trump that Saudi Arabia is set to increase its investments in the United States from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion. This declaration came on March 15, 2023, during bin Salman’s visit to the White House, marking his first trip to the U.S. since the controversial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
During their discussion in the Oval Office, President Trump expressed gratitude for the planned investment, stating, “I want to thank you because you’ve agreed to invest $600 billion into the United States, and because he’s my friend, he might make it a trillion, but I’m going to have to work on him.” Bin Salman concurred that the new investment figure would be close to $1 trillion.
This visit comes in the context of strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States following Khashoggi’s murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. A CIA assessment shortly after the event indicated that the crown prince had ordered the killing, a claim that bin Salman has consistently denied. However, in a 2019 interview with CBS News, he acknowledged taking responsibility for Khashoggi’s death, attributing it to actions by individuals within the Saudi government.
Complex Legacy and Human Rights Concerns
When asked about Khashoggi during the Oval Office meeting, bin Salman expressed his sorrow, saying, “It’s really painful to hear that anyone losing his life for no real purpose.” President Trump added a controversial remark regarding Khashoggi’s reputation, noting that “a lot of people didn’t like that gentleman” and reiterating that bin Salman “knew nothing about it.”
Trump continued to praise bin Salman, asserting that the crown prince has made significant strides in areas related to human rights, despite ongoing concerns documented by the U.S. State Department regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. “We have an extremely respected man in the Oval Office today and a friend of mine for a long time, a very good friend of mine,” Trump stated. He further emphasized bin Salman’s accomplishments, declaring, “What he’s done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else.”
The meeting reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia, focusing on economic partnerships and investment opportunities. The proposed increase in investments illustrates both nations’ desire to foster closer economic relations, which could have significant implications for U.S.-Saudi ties moving forward.
As bin Salman continues to navigate the complexities of international relations and domestic reforms, his commitment to enhancing investments in the U.S. may play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
