President Donald Trump is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of a high-stakes Middle East tour, accompanied by key cabinet members, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The visit, which began on May 13, 2025, centers on a U.S.-Saudi Arabia investment forum and meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at securing major economic deals. Reports from sources likeThe New York TimesandThe Hillindicate Trump has signed agreements worth $600 billion, covering energy, mining, and defense, while pushing for a $1 trillion Saudi investment in the U.S. An arms deal exceeding $100 billion is also on the table, according toReuters.
Posts on X, such as those from @NewsNow4USA and @tammytabby, confirm Bessent and Rubio’s presence, noting their participation in events like a coffee ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court alongside other officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The visit has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters on X, like @EricLDaugh, praise the delegation’s efforts, while critics, such as @Azariel91, raise concerns about overlooking human rights issues, citing the Khashoggi case. The trip, described as a “strategic economic partnership” byYouTubeandAP News, underscores Trump’s focus on economic gains but faces scrutiny over its broader implications.
This aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to strengthen U.S. economic ties, but whether it resonates with voters depends on their views on foreign investment versus domestic priorities. The bill’s tax cuts, discussed earlier, complement this agenda by aiming to boost worker incomes, potentially amplifying the economic narrative from Riyadh.
