Stakes High for Trump in Middle East Trip
NewsweekMAY 6
U.S. Plans $100 Billion Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia Ahead of Trump Visit
Above: US President Donald Trump (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House on March 20, 2018 in Washington, D.C. Image copyright: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
The arms deal is a coup for the Trump administration, representing a strategic opportunity to strengthen U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation, create American jobs, and solidify regional security partnerships at a critical time. The package demonstrates Trump's commitment to rebuilding relationships with key allies in the Middle East while advancing U.S. economic interests through defense sales.
Anti-Trump narrative
Given Saudi Arabia's devastating Yemen war and the murder of journalist Khashoggi by the repressive Saudi monarchy, the massive arms sale is evidence of the Trump administration's ruthlessness and risks enabling further regional conflict and human rights abuses. The size and scope of the deal could also upset the regional balance of power and potentially trigger a Middle East arms race.