President Trump welcomed Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman, marking a significant shift in their relationship since the Khashoggi incident. This visit underscores the complexities of U.S.-Saudi ties amid geopolitical changes.

On Tuesday, President Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (M.B.S.) to the White House, symbolizing a significant shift in their relationship since the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump praised M.B.S. as a 'very good friend' and announced plans to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns over technology access by China. The U.S.-Saudi relationship has evolved, particularly after the Biden Administration's initial distancing from Saudi Arabia. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine highlighted the importance of Saudi oil, prompting a reevaluation of ties. M.B.S. has pursued reforms domestically while maintaining a tight grip on power, leading to a complex dynamic in U.S.-Saudi relations, especially regarding regional stability and public opinion on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.