Saudi and Arab activists ridiculed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for swiftly succumbing to U.S. President Donald Trump’s blackmail upon his return to the White House.
Activists on social media revived phrases highlighting America’s exploitation of Saudi wealth, echoing expressions Trump had previously used during his first term—both explicitly and implicitly—such as “the milking cow,” and “early milking begins.”
This reaction followed bin Salman’s announcement, during a phone call with Trump, of Saudi Arabia’s intention to expand its investments and trade relations with the U.S. over the next four years, pledging a staggering $600 billion—an amount poised to rise if additional opportunities arise.
Trump’s Blatant Extortion
During a press conference in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025, Trump, while signing multiple executive orders on his inauguration day, was asked about his first foreign trip in his second term. He clarified that the traditional first visit is usually to the United Kingdom.
However, he referenced his first presidential visit to Saudi Arabia, explaining that it occurred because the kingdom had agreed to purchase $450 billion worth of American products.
Trump added that he “might visit Saudi Arabia again if they promise me $500 billion this time”—suggesting that due to inflation, he would demand a higher figure. His remarks were widely interpreted as a blatant attempt to extort more money from the kingdom to appease the new U.S. administration.
The Saudi Regime’s Compliance
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, later confirmed that the $600 billion deal between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. encompasses both public and private sector investments and purchases.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Al-Ibrahim stated:
“This figure represents investments and purchases from both the public and private sectors. It is a strong reflection of the solid relationship between the two countries.”
His comments came in response to a question about whether Saudi Arabia would raise the amount to $1 trillion, as Trump suggested.
On Thursday, Trump further escalated his demands, saying:
“It has been reported that Saudi Arabia will invest no less than $600 billion in America. But I will ask the Crown Prince—a great person—to increase the amount to about $1 trillion.”
Saudi Wealth Continues to Serve American Interests
Government data revealed that U.S. exports to Saudi Arabia have consistently exceeded the value of Saudi direct investments in the U.S. over the past few years.
The figures highlight the contrast between Saudi foreign direct investments in the U.S. and the total value of American exports to the kingdom, reflecting the nature of the two nations’ economic ties between 2018 and 2023.
Oil Prices and U.S. Demands
When asked whether Saudi Arabia would lower oil prices following Trump’s statement that he would request the kingdom and OPEC to do so, Al-Ibrahim responded that Riyadh remains committed to long-term market stability.
Oil prices dropped after Trump’s remarks on Thursday but partially recovered by Friday.
Al-Ibrahim reiterated:
“Saudi Arabia and OPEC’s position is centered on market stability in the long run, ensuring that rising demand—particularly from the U.S. and artificial intelligence industries—is met.”
A Pattern of Submission
Trump’s overt leveraging of Saudi wealth and resources to serve American interests once again highlights the kingdom’s subservience to Washington’s economic demands. As the U.S. continues to dictate terms, Saudi Arabia’s compliance remains a stark example of how regional power dynamics are manipulated under Western pressure.
