On May 13, 2025, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a special diplomatic and business visit.
He was warmly welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often known as MBS, at the Royal Court Palace.
Joining Trump was tech billionaire Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. His presence showed the importance of technology in this visit.
The event was part of a four-day trip across the Middle East, focused on economic growth, innovation, and building strong ties with Gulf nations.
Purpose of the Visit
President Donald J. Trump, accompanied by U.S. business magnates including Elon Musk, visited Riyadh to strengthen U.S.-Saudi economic and strategic ties. This marked a major diplomatic and business initiative focused on investment, defense, and technology.
Focus on Big Investments
One of the major outcomes of the visit was Saudi Arabia’s promise to invest a huge amount — $600 billion — into the U.S. economy over the next four years.
Officials said this number could even rise to $1 trillion in future discussions. These investments will cover sectors like infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and clean technology.
This is a big win for the U.S., as it will help create jobs and boost American industries. For Saudi Arabia, it’s part of their long-term vision to become a global investment leader and reduce their economy’s dependence on oil.
Strengthening Defense Partnerships
Another key topic discussed during the visit was defense cooperation. The United States and Saudi Arabia talked about a $100 billion arms deal. This deal will help Saudi Arabia improve its defense systems and security operations.
President Trump emphasized that these deals are not just about weapons but also about keeping the Middle East safe and stable. Saudi Arabia has been a long-time strategic partner of the U.S., and both countries want to continue working closely on security matters.
Technology Takes the Spotlight
Perhaps the most exciting part of the meeting was the focus on technology and innovation. Elon Musk attended the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, where he discussed future projects in artificial intelligence, space exploration, and renewable energy.
Saudi Arabia showed interest in working with Musk’s companies — especially Tesla and SpaceX — to bring advanced technologies to the country. These collaborations support the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to modernize Saudi Arabia and prepare it for a tech-driven future.
A Stronger U.S.-Saudi Relationship
The visit highlighted how the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia is growing stronger. With cooperation in investment, defense, and technology, both countries see benefits.
Trump called it a “new chapter” in U.S.-Saudi relations, while MBS said he looked forward to long-term partnerships that would benefit both nations.
Summary
This high-level engagement signals a renewed era of U.S.-Saudi cooperation, combining political diplomacy with futuristic business collaborations. It positions both nations to mutually benefit from innovation, security, and financial growth.