Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – May 16, 2025 – President Donald Trump made headlines today as he signed a series of agreements with Saudi Arabia worth $600 billion, marking a centerpiece of his Middle East tour. The deals, finalized during meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, aim to deepen economic ties between the United States and the Gulf kingdom.
The agreements cover energy, technology, and defense sectors. A significant portion includes contracts for U.S. companies like Boeing and Raytheon to supply Saudi Arabia with aircraft and defense systems. Other deals involve Saudi investments in U.S. infrastructure and artificial intelligence projects, with a focus on creating jobs in both nations. Trump hailed the package as “one of the biggest deals ever,” saying it would “bring tremendous prosperity” to American workers and Saudi citizens alike.
However, some reports suggest the $600 billion figure includes previously announced or ongoing projects, with new commitments closer to $300 billion. Analysts note that such large-scale deals often take years to fully materialize, but the announcement underscores Trump’s emphasis on economic diplomacy.
The signing ceremony, held at the Royal Court in Riyadh, was attended by U.S. business leaders and Saudi officials. Trump also used the visit to discuss regional stability, meeting Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and confirming plans to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria to support its post-Assad transition.
While the deal was celebrated by supporters as a boost for U.S. influence in the region, critics raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the ethical implications of Trump’s business ties in the Gulf. Posts on X reflected mixed reactions, with some praising the economic benefits and others questioning the deal’s transparency.
As Trump moves on to the next leg of his tour in the UAE, the Saudi agreements signal his administration’s intent to prioritize trade and investment in shaping Middle East policy. The long-term impact of the deals will depend on their implementation and the broader geopolitical shifts in the region.