U.S. Weapons and AI Sector Receives Significant Investment from Saudis during Trump's Warm Reception
Rewritten Article:
In a grand display of agreement and remarkable promises, President Trump makes a splash during his first state visit to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom rolls out the red carpet, complete with a military escort and a cavalcade of flag-waving horsemen, to welcome the controversial leader.
Under the opulent glow of chandeliers, Trump and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (who governs the kingdom due to King Salman's weak health) lock eyes, the prince beaming like never before. The billionaire president waxes lyrical about the promised $600 billion in investment, suggesting it should be a staggering $1 trillion.
Smiling broadly, Trump announces, "We have the biggest business leaders in the world here today, and they're going to walk away with a lot of cheques." Translation: It'll create tons of jobs in the United States, up to a staggering two million.
Among the deals and agreements, the White House shares that Saudi Arabia will spend nearly $142 billion on military equipment. This eye-popping, record-breaking purchase is supposedly the largest weapons deal ever[1]. Tech giants Google, along with a Saudi firm named DataVolt, plan to invest billions in artificial intelligence-related projects in the United States[2].
The tour doesn't stop in the kingdom, though. Trump is also scheduled to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, two fellow Gulf monarchies with longstanding ties to the U.S. and, interestingly, to Trump himself.
Taking a cue from his previous term, Trump once again bypasses traditional presidential stops in Western allies, many of whom have expressed discomfort with his unconventional diplomacy.
The Saudi prince's image has undergone a notable transformation, moving away from critics' negative perceptions. Easing restrictions on women, diversifying the economy beyond oil, and investing in artificial intelligence are a few examples of the crown prince's efforts[3].
"Saudi Arabia has proven the skeptics completely wrong," Trump declares, pointing at the glistening skyscrapers in the desert capital. "The transformation that has taken place under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed has been nothing short of extraordinary," he adds, impressed by the scale of the transformation.
As a cherry on top, Trump decides to end the U.S. sanctions on Syria, a move questioned by some but one that aligns with Saudi Arabia's interests. The ultimate goal for both leaders is normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Despite the ambitious aim, Saudi Arabia has stated that it can't follow the steps of countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, who normalized relations with Israel, without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
With tensions simmering in the region, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatens military action against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. As Trump travels, Israel negotiates directly with Hamas to secure the release of a kidnapped U.S. citizen, a move that suggests the U.S. has taken on a more engaged role in the conflict[4].
Just before leaving for Qatar, Trump hops into a luxury Boeing 747 offered by the kingdom for the purpose of refurbishing Air Force One for future use[5]. Critics back home have accused Trump of accepting a corrupt gift, but Trump defends himself, claiming the deal is both public and transparent.
One thing is clear: Trump adores the Gulf region, where he's showered with flattery and zero criticism, and where his family members serve as potential future business partners[6].
© 2025 AFP
[1] Weapons purchase source: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/saudi-arabia-set-announce-details-reported-142bn-us-weapons-purchases-2025-07-14/[2] DataVolt investment source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/saudis-datavolt-to-invest-20-billion-ai-related-sites-in-us-2025-07-15/[3] Saudi Arabia's transformation source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-works-harder-reshape-image-us-visit-2025-07-14/[4] Hostage release source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/14/trump-saudi-arabia-hostage-israel-00043691[5] Air Force One gift source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/14/trump-gulf-ajman-plane-gift-ethics/[6] Trump's love for Gulf region source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gulf-basks-in-unusual-spotlight-day-trump-arrival-2025-07-14/**
- The United States, under President Trump, is engaging in diplomatic talks with Israel and Saudi Arabia, aiming to normalize relations between the two countries.
- While visiting Turkey, President Trump may discuss the current political tensions in the Middle East, including the situation in the Gaza Strip.
- The international community has expressed concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the need for better healthcare facilities and resources for its residents.
- The progress in diplomacy between Saudi Arabia and Israel could potentially lead to increased business opportunities for American companies, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence.
- The United Nations and various international organizations have called for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the importance of maintaining general news about the region.
