Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Standing with Saudi Arabia

The world remains a volatile and dangerous place, with Iran playing a central role in destabilizing the Middle East. Iran has fueled proxy wars, supported terrorist organizations, and backed oppressive regimes. It has been deeply involved in the Yemen conflict, working against Saudi Arabia while also attempting to weaken Iraq’s fragile democracy. Additionally, Iran funds and arms Hezbollah in Lebanon and supports Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, who has been responsible for the deaths of millions of his people.

Beyond its regional influence, Iran has a long history of targeting American forces and innocent civilians across the Middle East. The Iranian government openly promotes hostility toward the United States and its allies, frequently chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." The international community widely regards Iran as the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism, making it a significant threat to global stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Countering Terrorism

Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a key ally in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism. The Kingdom has expressed a willingness to withdraw from Yemen, provided Iran does the same. Saudi Arabia has also committed to delivering much-needed humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.

Following a high-level negotiation during a U.S. visit to Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom pledged to invest $450 billion in the United States – an unprecedented deal that promises to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and generate tremendous economic growth. As part of this agreement, $110 billion will be used to purchase military equipment from leading U.S. defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. Canceling these contracts would result in Russia and China stepping in to claim the business, strengthening their global influence at America’s expense.

The Jamal Khashoggi Case and U.S. Response

The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a horrific act that the United States strongly condemns. The administration has taken swift action, imposing sanctions on 17 Saudi individuals identified as being involved in the killing and the subsequent disposal of his body. After extensive independent investigations, many details of this tragic crime have been uncovered.

While Saudi officials have labeled Khashoggi as an "enemy of the state" and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, this does not influence the U.S. position on the matter. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have denied involvement in the crime. While intelligence agencies continue their assessments, the reality is that complete certainty may never be achieved regarding the Crown Prince’s knowledge or role in the murder.

Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Regardless of the unresolved aspects of the Khashoggi case, the U.S.-Saudi relationship remains crucial. Saudi Arabia has been a strong ally in countering Iran’s regional aggression, making its partnership vital to U.S. interests in the Middle East. The United States will maintain a steadfast alliance with Saudi Arabia to safeguard national security, protect Israel, and support regional stability. The top priority remains eliminating the global threat of terrorism.

America’s National Interests First

Some members of Congress advocate for a different approach to U.S.-Saudi relations, but any policy decisions must align with the absolute security and safety of the United States. Saudi Arabia, the second-largest oil producer in the world, has cooperated with the U.S. to keep oil prices stable – a critical factor for both the global and domestic economies.

As President of the United States, the focus will remain on protecting national interests and countering threats from hostile nations. In an increasingly dangerous world, America must stay strong, strategic, and committed to pursuing policies that secure its future. It is what it means to put America First.