Saudi Arabia's Reliance on Trump: A Dangerous Gamble Gone Wrong

For years, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia believed he could count on former President Donald Trump for protection. This close relationship was built on a foundation of massive arms deals and substantial investments in American companies. However, as the Houthis ramp up their attacks, the US has reportedly turned down Prince Mohammed's requests for assistance, leaving the kingdom vulnerable.

After Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, he promised to bolster trade and investment between the US and Saudi Arabia by $600 billion over four years. This ambitious pledge later ballooned to nearly $1 trillion, raising questions about how the Saudi government could feasibly inject such a massive sum into the US economy.

As reported by The Guardian US, this situation underscores the precariousness of relying on a transactional relationship for national security. The Crown Prince’s strategy appears increasingly flawed, and the consequences of miscalculation could reverberate throughout the region as Saudi Arabia grapples with its dependence on American support that may no longer be forthcoming.

Source: The Guardian US