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During a visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the United States and Saudi Arabia reached agreements on civil nuclear energy and the sale of advanced U.S. F-35 fighter jets, according to the White House. They officially endorsed a “joint declaration” on civil nuclear energy, establishing a legal framework for a multi-billion-dollar partnership that meets strict nonproliferation standards. Furthermore, President Donald Trump authorized a significant defense package, including future F-35 aircraft deliveries.
Earlier, Trump praised the prince’s $1 trillion investment commitment amid a grand welcome at the White House. He showcased his growing camaraderie with the Saudi leader, who is visiting the Oval Office for the first time in seven years. The celebrations included a parade of horseback soldiers and a military flyover involving F-35 jets, which Trump said would soon be sold to Riyadh.
The president opened the meeting by complimenting the prince’s “incredible” human rights record. The Crown Prince then excited Trump by announcing plans to boost Saudi investments from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion—an increase he confirmed with a confident “Definitely,” after Trump asked for verification.
In a display of hospitality, Trump arranged a full ceremonial treatment normally reserved for a formal state visit. He greeted bin Salman on the White House lawn as cannon fire echoed and flanked him with a noisy flyover. Trump also revealed a new gallery of presidential portraits in the Rose Garden, including one portraying his predecessor, Joe Biden, in a manner suggesting he was signed into office by an autopen—a device often used to sign documents automatically. Trump has publicly questioned Biden’s use of such devices for signing presidential pardons and cast doubt on their legality.
Later in the day, First Lady Melania Trump is scheduled to host a gala dinner. Notably, soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who now plays in Saudi Arabia, will attend the event, a White House official confirmed.
The focus of U.S.-Saudi relations remains on strengthening ties, especially as Trump pushes for long-term peace between Israel and Hamas, aiming to expand the Abraham Accords initiated during his first term. While Prince Mohammed expressed intent to normalize relations with Israel swiftly, he emphasized the importance of first establishing a clear path toward a two-state solution for Palestine.
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