Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years during a phone call with President Donald Trump. The conversation, reported Thursday by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, marked Trump’s first call with a foreign leader since his inauguration.
“The crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s intention to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years, in the amount of $600 billion, and potentially beyond that,” the agency’s statement said.
The announcement follows Trump’s suggestion that he might prioritize Saudi Arabia as his first international destination in his new term, echoing his decision in 2017 to make Riyadh his inaugural foreign trip as president.
Trump’s 2017 visit broke with the tradition of U.S. presidents traveling first to the United Kingdom and underscored his administration’s close ties with the Gulf monarchy. The visit also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance, as the kingdom’s sovereign wealth funds have taken significant stakes in American businesses and industries, including sports and technology.
The proposed investment coincides with Saudi Arabia’s reliance on U.S.-made weapons and defense systems, which could form a part of the pledge. Despite a shift in U.S. energy policies reducing dependence on Saudi oil, the two nations have continued to maintain strong economic and defense ties.
The White House issued a statement Thursday confirming the leaders discussed bolstering stability in the Middle East, enhancing regional security, and combating terrorism. They also touched on Saudi Arabia’s global economic ambitions and opportunities to enhance trade and mutual prosperity between the two nations.
The crown prince has focused on diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy, which has faced budgetary challenges due to fluctuating oil prices and ongoing megaprojects such as the $500 billion NEOM city in the Red Sea’s western desert. The kingdom also plans to construct stadiums and infrastructure ahead of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
During his remarks on Monday, Trump hinted at revisiting Saudi Arabia for another state visit, saying, “I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our products. If they wanted to buy another $450 billion or $500 billion—adjusted for inflation—I’d probably go.”
Trump’s 2017 visit to Riyadh set the stage for major geopolitical shifts, including the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar and strengthened U.S.-Saudi ties despite controversies such as the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The proposed $600 billion investment underscores the kingdom’s bid to maintain and deepen its economic and strategic partnership with the United States.
