Trump Reveals Saudi Arabia Paid $450bn for 2017 Visit, He’d Go Again for $500bn

Date: 22 January 2025 - 21:48

News ID: ۱۳۶۱۰۸

WASHINGTON (Dispatches) – U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that he could make Saudi Arabia the destination for his first foreign trip during his new term – but only if Riyadh agrees to purchase American products worth up to $500 billion. He revealed that a similar arrangement was agreed for his controversial 2017 visit.
In comments that are likely to embarrass Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Trump openly disclosed the transactional nature of his previous trip to Riyadh, breaking with the traditional first visit to the UK. “The first foreign trip typically has been with [the] UK, but we did it, I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our products”, Trump said, answering questions from reporters. “It was the least reported story I’ve ever been involved in,” he added.
The newly inaugurated president’s candid admission about effectively selling his first presidential visit has raised eyebrows, with analysts suggesting it undermines Saudi Arabia’s carefully cultivated image as America’s key strategic partner rather than merely a wealthy client state.
Trump revealed that he would consider repeating this arrangement but put a price tag of $500 billion for the visit. The increase he suggested is “for all the inflation”, “Well I don’t know if Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another 450 or 500 billion – we’ll up it for inflation – then I think I would probably go there,” he stated.
The comments have sparked fresh debate about Trump’s approach to international relations, with analysts noting how his transactional style could affect future Middle East peace efforts, including his pledge to revive the so-called Abraham Accords. Some analysts suggest similar financial arrangements might be proposed to bring additional nations into the normalization agreements with the Zionist regime.
The revelation comes at a sensitive time for Saudi-U.S. relations, as Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman seeks to present himself as a modernizing leader transforming his kingdom, rather than simply the head of a wealthy oil state willing to pay for diplomatic attention.