Former President Donald J. Trump recently spoke with Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a report by The New York Times. This marks their first acknowledged discussion since Trump vacated the Oval Office in January 2021, sparking speculation about the nature of their discourse.
Sources familiar with the conversation, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, disclosed the exchange to the newspaper. But the content of their discussion remains shrouded in mystery, leaving room for conjecture, particularly against the backdrop of Trump’s tumultuous financial landscape.
With Trump’s businesses facing mounting challenges and legal entanglements, including ongoing investigations into his financial affairs, speculation abounds regarding the potential inclusion of financial matters in the conversation. Given Prince Mohammed’s significant influence and wealth, it’s not far-fetched to consider that Trump may have soughtassistance amid his financial woes.
This conversation surfaces amidst the Biden administration’s ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia regarding a Middle East peace initiative.
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If President Biden succeeds in brokering a comprehensive deal, potentially encompassing a Saudi-Israeli peace pact, Israeli commitment to a two-state solution, a U.S.-Saudi defense treaty, and agreements on Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program, ratification of the U.S.-Saudi treaty would require support from two-thirds of the Senate. Trump, with significant influence over the Republican Party, could either obstruct or endorse such a deal among congressional Republicans.
Maintaining a cordial relationship with Prince Mohammed holds strategic importance for Trump. Both Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, cultivated close ties with the Saudi crown prince during their tenure and have leveraged this goodwill for their post-government business endeavors.
Saudi Arabia was Trump’s inaugural destination on his first foreign trip as president, underscoring the significance he placed on the relationship. He pursued substantial deals with Saudi Arabia, including arms sales, and defended Prince Mohammed amid global scrutiny following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Post-presidency, Trump has continued to utilize his Saudi connections. Notably, the Trump Organization was finalizing a lucrative real estate deal in Oman with Saudi involvement as Trump prepared for his 2022 presidential campaign announcement. Additionally, Trump has collaborated with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund for the LIV golf tour.
Prince Mohammed’s support has also extended to Kushner, whose investment firm secured a substantial investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund shortly after leaving government service.
Beyond Saudi Arabia, Trump has engaged with other foreign leaders, including hosting Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where they discussed matters during their second meeting in two years. Orban, known for his controversial governance style, has received praise from Trump at his rallies.
