U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend a bilateral meeting at the Saudi Royal Court on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Writen by Hamza, Digital Nomad Diary

In a powerful speech delivered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of economic development and unity in the Middle East, condemning ‘neo-cons’ and ‘liberal non-profits’ for their perceived meddling in the region. Speaking after a high-profile meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump praised the region’s progress and urged leaders to focus on economic prosperity rather than conflict.

“If the responsible nations of this region seize this moment, put aside your differences, and focus on the interests that unite you, then all humanity will soon be amazed at what we will see here in the geographic center of the world,” Trump stated, highlighting the transformative potential of peace and commerce.

Trump criticized Western ‘interventionalist’ policies, suggesting that true progress in the Middle East has been driven by regional leaders rather than foreign ‘nation-builders.’ “The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by so-called nation-builders or liberal non-profits who spent trillions failing to develop Kabul and Baghdad,” he asserted.

Historic Economic Agreements

During the visit, Trump and the Saudi government signed multiple economic agreements totaling $600 billion, projected to create up to 2 million jobs in the United States. The deals include a $20 billion investment by Saudi Arabia’s DataVolt in AI and energy infrastructure in the U.S. and an $80 billion investment in transformative technologies by tech giants like Google, Oracle, and Uber.

A historic $142 billion defense agreement was also signed, the largest in U.S. history, involving advanced air and missile defense systems, coastal security enhancements, and modernized communication systems.

Future Prospects

Trump’s message to the Middle East was clear – economic development should take precedence over conflict, and the region has the potential to become a hub of commerce and technological advancement. “Before our eyes, a new generation of leaders is transcending ancient conflicts and forging a future where the Middle East is defined by commerce, not chaos,” he concluded.

Highlight: The focus on economic development over conflict aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to solidify U.S.-Middle East ties through mutually beneficial trade and defense agreements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What were the key takeaways from Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia?
Trump urged Middle Eastern nations to focus on economic development and cooperation, condemning Western interventionist policies for their failures in the region.
2. What economic agreements were signed during Trump’s visit?
Trump and Saudi Arabia signed $600 billion worth of economic agreements, including investments in AI, energy infrastructure, and transformative technologies.
3. How will the $142 billion defense agreement impact U.S.-Saudi relations?
The $142 billion defense agreement will bolster Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities with advanced defense technologies, enhancing the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
4. How does Trump view the future of the Middle East?
Trump believes the Middle East has the potential to be a region defined by commerce, not conflict, and emphasized the importance of economic growth over prolonged conflict.
5. What are the implications of these agreements for the U.S. economy?
The agreements are expected to create up to 2 million jobs in the U.S. and bolster its economic ties with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the tech and defense sectors.