Introduction

In a stunning turn of events, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has emerged as a major beneficiary of the Trump administration's foreign policy. Just three years ago, the US was openly reconsidering its relationship with Saudi Arabia, with President Joe Biden vowing to make MBS a pariah over the kingdom's human rights record and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, with the arrival of the Trump administration, MBS was able to secure a significant amount of leverage, paving the way for a major reset in US-Saudi relations. This article will explore the key factors that contributed to this shift, including the role of Trump's personal relationships, the significance of arms deals, and the implications of a "clean slate" for Saudi Arabia.

A New Era in US-Saudi Relations

The Trump administration's approach to Saudi Arabia marked a significant departure from the previous administration's stance. While the Obama administration had been critical of Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its role in the Yemen conflict, Trump was eager to establish a strong relationship with the kingdom. This was driven in part by Trump's personal affinity for MBS, whom he saw as a key partner in the region. The two leaders shared a number of common interests, including a desire to counter Iranian influence and promote economic development in the Middle East. As a result, Trump was willing to overlook Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses and provide the kingdom with a significant amount of diplomatic cover.

One of the key factors that contributed to the improvement in US-Saudi relations was the signing of a major arms deal between the two countries. In 2017, Trump announced a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, which included the sale of advanced fighter jets, tanks, and other military equipment. This deal was seen as a major victory for MBS, who had been seeking to modernize Saudi Arabia's military and assert its influence in the region. The deal also had significant implications for the US economy, with many American jobs dependent on the production and sale of military equipment.

The Role of Personal Relationships

The personal relationship between Trump and MBS played a significant role in shaping US-Saudi relations during the Trump administration. The two leaders were known to have a close and cordial relationship, with Trump often praising MBS as a "friend" and a "great leader." This personal chemistry helped to facilitate a number of high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements between the two countries, including a visit by MBS to the White House in 2017. During this visit, Trump and MBS discussed a range of issues, including trade, security, and energy cooperation.

The personal relationship between Trump and MBS also helped to facilitate a number of significant diplomatic breakthroughs. In 2020, the two leaders announced a major agreement to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which marked a significant shift in the region's diplomatic landscape. This agreement was seen as a major victory for Trump, who had long sought to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. It also marked a significant turning point in US-Saudi relations, as it demonstrated the willingness of both countries to work together on key issues.

A Clean Slate for Saudi Arabia

The Trump administration's approach to Saudi Arabia also provided the kingdom with a significant amount of leverage to reset its international reputation. Despite ongoing concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its role in the Yemen conflict, the Trump administration was willing to provide the kingdom with a "clean slate." This meant that Saudi Arabia was able to avoid significant diplomatic pressure and scrutiny, despite its ongoing human rights abuses.

One of the key beneficiaries of this approach was MBS, who was able to use the Trump administration's support to consolidate his power and promote his vision for Saudi Arabia. This included a number of significant economic reforms, including the development of a new tourist industry and the promotion of foreign investment. It also included a number of significant social reforms, including the lifting of restrictions on women's rights and the promotion of cultural exchange programs.

Implications and Challenges

The implications of the Trump administration's approach to Saudi Arabia are significant and far-reaching. On the one hand, the administration's support for MBS and the kingdom's economic reforms has helped to promote stability and prosperity in the region. It has also helped to counter Iranian influence and promote American interests in the Middle East.

On the other hand, the administration's willingness to overlook Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses and provide the kingdom with a "clean slate" has been widely criticized. Many human rights groups and lawmakers have argued that this approach has emboldened MBS and the Saudi government, and has undermined efforts to promote accountability and justice in the region.

In conclusion, the Trump administration's approach to Saudi Arabia has provided MBS and the kingdom with a significant amount of leverage and diplomatic cover. While this approach has helped to promote stability and prosperity in the region, it has also raised significant concerns about human rights and accountability. As the US and Saudi Arabia continue to navigate their complex and often fraught relationship, it is clear that a more nuanced and balanced approach will be needed to promote American interests and values in the region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of US-Saudi relations during the Trump administration is one of significant diplomatic leverage and reset. Through a combination of personal relationships, arms deals, and diplomatic engagement, MBS and the Saudi government were able to secure a significant amount of support and cover from the Trump administration. While this approach has helped to promote stability and prosperity in the region, it has also raised significant concerns about human rights and accountability.

As the US and Saudi Arabia look to the future, it is clear that a more nuanced and balanced approach will be needed to promote American interests and values in the region. This will require a careful consideration of the complex geopolitical and economic factors at play, as well as a commitment to promoting human rights and accountability. By taking a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to US-Saudi relations, the US can help to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East, while also upholding its values and promoting its interests.

The future of US-Saudi relations will depend on a number of factors, including the outcome of future elections, the evolution of the region's geopolitical landscape, and the willingness of both countries to engage in constructive and meaningful dialogue. However, one thing is clear: the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia will remain a critical and complex issue, with significant implications for the region and the world.

In the end, the story of US-Saudi relations during the Trump administration serves as a reminder of the power of diplomacy and the importance of careful consideration in international relations. By examining the key factors that contributed to the shift in US-Saudi relations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex geopolitical and economic forces at play, and develop a more nuanced and informed approach to promoting American interests and values in the region.