Washington, 18 November (Udaipur Kiran). A high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House led to significant statements on defence, nuclear technology, investments and Israel–Saudi relations. Trump welcomed the Crown Prince with full military honours, including a cannon salute and a jet flyover, marking his first visit to the White House in seven years.
During the meeting, Trump indicated that the US is considering an agreement to transfer nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. He said he could “see a deal happening,” though he did not specify any timeline. The leaders also discussed the Abraham Accords. Trump claimed to have received a “positive response” from Saudi Arabia, while bin Salman said the Kingdom wants to join the accords but seeks a clear guarantee for a two-state solution.
Trump announced that the US is working toward approving the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, adding that the arrangement would be “just like Israel.” If finalised, the deal is expected to significantly reshape power dynamics in the Middle East.
Trump further stated that a defence cooperation agreement between the two countries has been finalised. He added that the US administration is working to approve the sale of advanced AI chips to Saudi Arabia—signalling a major shift in US export policy and opening new avenues for technological collaboration.
A major investment announcement also emerged during the talks. Trump said Saudi Arabia has agreed to invest USD 600 billion in the US economy. In a lighter tone, he added that he hopes the figure “goes up to one trillion dollars.” In response, bin Salman said Saudi Arabia “believes in America’s future” and will increase the investment to nearly USD 1 trillion.
When asked about concerns related to the Trump family’s business and potential conflicts of interest, Trump said, “I have nothing to do with the family business. I am giving 100% of my energy to the presidency.”
On questions about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Trump contradicted US intelligence findings and said bin Salman “knew nothing about it.” He added, “Whether someone likes that person (Khashoggi) or not, things happen.”
The meeting took place at a time when the Trump administration is seeking to elevate strategic, defence and economic ties with Saudi Arabia to a new level.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.