Overview
- The crown prince’s Washington stop included a Kennedy Center business summit and a state dinner as Trump proclaimed the partnership “stronger than ever.”
- Saudi officials boosted their U.S. commitment to nearly $1 trillion, and Trump said companies were signing about $270 billion in agreements at the forum.
- Trump formally designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally during the White House festivities.
- After a Capitol Hill reception with senior members, Rep. Brad Schneider said the touted defense agreement was not discussed in detail and that nuclear issues and Jamal Khashoggi were not raised.
- Reporting indicates many announcements are purchases of U.S. technology and services to build Saudi AI capacity rather than straightforward inbound investment, while 9/11 families continued to object to the political embrace.