WASHINGTON D.C. – United States President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in a high-stakes visit that saw the public rehabilitation of the prince and the announcement of significant economic and defense agreements. The meeting, Prince Mohammed's first to Washington since 2018, marked a stark turnaround from the international isolation he faced following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

During a press availability in the Oval Office, President Trump defended the Saudi leader, contradicting a 2021 declassified U.S. intelligence report which concluded that the Crown Prince approved the operation to capture or kill Khashoggi. "A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about," Trump said of Khashoggi, whom he described as "extremely controversial." He added, "Whether you like him, or didn’t like him, things happen. But he [bin Salman] knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that." The Crown Prince himself addressed the killing, calling it a "painful" and "huge mistake," and stated that Saudi Arabia was taking steps to prevent such an event from recurring.

Economic and Defense Pacts Solidified

The visit was underscored by the announcement of a substantial increase in Saudi investment commitments to the United States, rising from a previously pledged $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion. This expanded partnership aims to boost American infrastructure, technology, and industry, according to a White House fact sheet released on November 18. The two leaders are set to attend a U.S.-Saudi investment summit at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, November 19, where further deals are anticipated.

Significant defense and technology agreements were also finalized. President Trump confirmed the U.S. will sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that could alter the military balance in the Middle East as Israel had been the sole operator of the aircraft in the region. The White House also announced a U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement and a deal for the Kingdom to purchase nearly 300 American-made tanks.

Furthermore, the two nations signed a joint declaration on civil nuclear energy cooperation, laying the groundwork for a potential multi-billion-dollar partnership. An agreement on artificial intelligence was also signed, giving Saudi Arabia access to leading American systems.

Regional Dynamics and Kenyan Context

On the diplomatic front, Crown Prince Mohammed reiterated that Saudi Arabia's normalization of relations with Israel, a key objective for the Trump administration under the Abraham Accords, is contingent on a "clear path" to a two-state solution for the Palestinians. "We want peace for the Israelis, we want peace for the Palestinians. We want them to coexist peacefully in the region," the Crown Prince stated.

For Kenya and East Africa, the implications of this strengthened U.S.-Saudi alliance are primarily economic and geopolitical. Enhanced Saudi investment in the U.S. technology and energy sectors could have indirect effects on global markets, potentially influencing oil prices—a critical factor for Kenya's import-dependent economy. Saudi Arabia is a major source of remittances and a key trade partner for Kenya. The stability and strategic direction of the Kingdom, bolstered by this U.S. partnership, are therefore of significant interest.

The visit also highlighted ongoing questions regarding potential conflicts of interest, given the Trump Organization's business dealings in Saudi Arabia. Recent announcements include Trump-branded real estate projects in Jeddah and Riyadh. President Trump dismissed these concerns, stating, "I have nothing to do with the family business."

The lavish reception for the Crown Prince, which included a military flyover and an honor guard, concluded with a formal dinner in the White House East Room attended by prominent business leaders, including the CEOs of Tesla and Apple. The meeting solidifies a pragmatic alliance based on shared economic and security interests, effectively moving past the controversy of the Khashoggi affair in favor of strategic cooperation.