Trump from Riyadh: Future of Middle East is ‘Commerce, Not Chaos’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump delivered a fiery speech in Riyadh condemning past U.S. “interventionalist” efforts while praising Middle Eastern nations for leading their own transformation. He emphasized economic partnerships and regional self-determination, unveiling a $600 billion Saudi investment pledge. Trump also celebrated the potential for a more stable, tech-driven future in the region.
Trump in Riyadh Quick Looks
- Trump criticizes “neo-cons” and Western NGOs in Middle East
- Calls for region to prioritize commerce over conflict
- Praises leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
- Urges Arab unity to counter Iran’s “self-destructive” path
- Announces $600B Saudi investment deal, including $142B defense package
- Highlights future defined by “technology, not terrorism”
- Slams U.S. nation-building failures in Kabul and Baghdad
- Elon Musk, Larry Fink, Sam Altman present at signing ceremony
- Agreements include AI, energy, space defense, and conservation projects
- Trump begins multi-nation tour focused on trade and security
Deep Look: Trump Rebukes U.S. Nation-Building and Pushes Gulf-Led Middle East Transformation
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — In a forceful and sweeping address from the heart of the Gulf, President Donald Trump delivered a pointed rebuke of past U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East while championing a new vision led by regional powers themselves. Speaking Tuesday at the U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, Trump urged Arab nations to embrace innovation, economic progress, and unity — while flatly rejecting the interventionist models of past American administrations.
Rejecting the Past, Praising the Present
“Before our eyes, a new generation of leaders is transcending the ancient conflicts and tired divisions of the past,” Trump declared. “They are forging a future where the Middle East is defined by commerce, not chaos; where it exports technology, not terrorism.”
He took direct aim at “neo-cons,” “so-called nation-builders,” and “liberal non-profits” that “spent trillions failing to develop Kabul and Baghdad.” The region’s transformation, he emphasized, was not the work of outsiders flying in with lectures but the result of internal vision and leadership — notably praising Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his role in regional modernization.
“It is crucial for the wider world to note, this great transformation has not come from Western interventionalists,” Trump said. “The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by those who brought disaster elsewhere.”
Economic Agenda: A $600 Billion Commitment
Trump’s appearance was not just symbolic — it was the launchpad for what he billed as a massive economic re-alignment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The White House announced a $600 billion Saudi commitment to American industries, infrastructure, and technological development.
Among the headline-making details:
- $20 billion investment by Saudi firm DataVolt into U.S. AI data centers and energy infrastructure
- $80 billion tech partnership involving Google, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, Uber, and DataVolt focused on “transformative technologies” in both nations
- A record-breaking $142 billion defense deal, the largest in U.S. history, encompassing cutting-edge warfighting systems from over a dozen American firms
The defense package includes advancements in space operations, air and missile defense systems, maritime security, border technology, and modernized land forces.
Symbolism and Strategy
Tuesday’s signing ceremony was attended by a star-studded delegation of U.S. business leaders including Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Larry Fink, underscoring the private sector’s role in the U.S.–Gulf alliance. Musk, now also serving as a senior adviser to Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, appeared with the president throughout the forum.
The White House emphasized that these deals will help generate up to 2 million American jobs, boosting Trump’s pitch that “peace through prosperity” is not just a slogan — but a working economic blueprint for foreign policy.
A Stark Message for Iran
Though Trump celebrated regional progress, he also issued stern warnings, particularly aimed at Iran.
“There could be no sharper contrast with the path you have pursued on the Arabian Peninsula, than the disaster unfolding right across in the Gulf of Iran,” Trump said. “They wanted to name it that,” he added mockingly, referencing Iran’s attempt to preserve the historical “Persian Gulf” label, while Trump preferred the term “Arabian Gulf.”
The speech comes as U.S.–Iran nuclear talks, mediated by Oman, enter their fifth round.
Trump said the time had come for Iran to make a choice: peace and partnership, or face “maximum pressure” and international isolation. “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said firmly, “and this offer will not last forever.”
Cultural and Educational Cooperation
Among the lesser-known agreements was a new cooperation pact between Saudi Arabia and the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Museum of Asian Art and the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — signaling a broadening of U.S.–Saudi collaboration beyond defense and energy.
What’s Next: Qatar and UAE
Trump’s Riyadh stop marks the start of a three-nation Gulf tour, with follow-up visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The Trump Organization — now operated by his sons — has significant real estate developments in each country, and the administration is expected to announce additional deals in AI, energy, and defense.
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