In a historic move, President Donald Trump has secured a monumental $600 billion investment deal with Saudi Arabia, signed during his first major international trip of his second term in Riyadh on May 13, 2025.
The agreements, forged with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, mark a bold step toward strengthening U.S. economic and defense ties with the Middle East, with a focus on peace through prosperity.
This landmark deal includes a $142 billion arms agreement, the largest defense cooperation in U.S. history, providing Saudi Arabia with advanced military equipment from over a dozen American firms. Beyond defense, the investment spans energy, technology, infrastructure, and healthcare, promising to create up to 2 million jobs across the United States.
Key highlights include a $20 billion commitment from DataVolt to build AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the U.S., alongside an $80 billion joint investment from tech giants like Google, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber to advance transformative technologies in both nations.
Nvidia will supply thousands of AI chips to Saudi Arabia, while AMD collaborates on a $10 billion AI project. Infrastructure firms such as Hill International and Jacobs will export $2 billion in services for global projects, and Shamekh IV Solutions will invest $5.8 billion, including a new IV fluid facility in Michigan. A $5 billion Energy Investment Fund and a $4 billion sports fund further underscore the deal’s diversity.
Trump’s visit also saw the lifting of long-standing U.S. sanctions on Syria, a decision discussed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey to aid Syria’s rebuilding efforts.
This move, alongside a deal for Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide connectivity for Saudi aviation and maritime sectors, signals a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy toward economic partnerships over military engagement.
Trump’s speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum emphasized this vision, positioning Saudi Arabia as a model for regional stability as it diversifies beyond oil into AI and infrastructure.
However, the deal has sparked debate. Some question the $600 billion valuation, with reports suggesting the detailed projects total less than half that amount. Others raise concerns about the geopolitical implications of arming Saudi Arabia and lifting Syria sanctions.
As Trump continues his Middle East tour, with stops in Qatar and the UAE, the world watches to see how this ambitious partnership reshapes global alliances and America’s economic future.
What are your thoughts?