President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled a plan for Saudi Arabia to invest $600 billion in U.S. industries — including critical minerals, artificial intelligence and energy — after touching down in Riyadh as part of a broader Middle Eastern tour.
Trump, speaking at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, recalled how he had visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2017, touted his strong relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; repeatedly blasted the Biden administration’s policies; and rattled off his accomplishments, including signing trade deals with the United Kingdom and China. Sitting in the front row near bin Salman was tech billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, one of Trump’s top advisers.
“The United States is the hottest country, with the exception of your country,” Trump said to bin Salman. “I like you too much.”
The Trump administration has cast the trip as a way to tap into wealthy countries that are increasingly attracting the president’s attention. He’s also slated to travel to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, where other deals are in play.
