Saudi Crown Prince Seeks Defense Guarantee, F-35 Deal in Upcoming Meeting With Trump
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Trump to Host Saudi Crown Prince in Washington
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend a ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 13, 2025. Image credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though the U.S.-Saudi relationship has experienced ups and downs in recent years, regional integration and a strong alliance between the Kingdom and the U.S. are beneficial to all parties involved. Though normalization may not be in the cards anytime soon, peace and stability in the region are nonetheless paramount.
Establishment-critical narrative
Trump's meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince is a dangerous move that appeases an authoritarian regime with blood on its hands. The Saudis are brazenly seeking F-35 fighter jets and security guarantees despite their brutal bombing campaigns against Yemeni civilians. America shouldn't reward a kingdom that murders journalists and wages war on innocents with advanced military technology.
Narrative C
Saudi Arabia holds all the cards in this diplomatic dance and doesn't need Israel's approval to secure American partnership. The kingdom can point to Qatar's upgraded security guarantees as proof that Washington values Gulf allies regardless of Israeli normalization. Trump needs Saudi investment and regional stability more than symbolic peace deals.