Trump: “Together with Saudi Arabia, We Will Usher In a Golden Age for the Middle East”

On May 13, 2025, President Donald J. Trump took the stage at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum in Riyadh with a sweeping vision for peace, prosperity, and renewed partnership across the Middle East. Framed by a backdrop of shifting global alliances and rising regional ambitions, Trump praised Saudi Arabia's economic transformation, championed U.S. diplomatic and military achievements, and declared the beginning of a "golden age" for both America and the Arab world.

Introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom Trump described as "a remarkable man and a longtime friend," the president opened his speech with warm reminiscence of his 2017 state visit, lauding the Saudi royal family and people for their "unmatched warmth and generosity." Reflecting on the historic 1945 meeting between Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz aboard the USS Quincy, Trump called the 80-year U.S.-Saudi alliance "the cornerstone of Middle East security and global cooperation" and vowed it would only grow stronger.

Trump outlined what he claimed were unmatched domestic achievements since his return to office in January, including a near-total halt in illegal border crossings, record-breaking military recruitment, and a wave of renewed patriotism filling public service roles across the country. He cited polling showing American confidence in the country's direction at a 20-year high and contrasted that optimism sharply with what he described as the "failed years" of the Biden administration.

The president highlighted economic momentum, pointing to plummeting inflation, falling consumer costs, and over 460,000 new jobs created in just a few weeks. He touted historic trade deals with the UK and China, emphasizing Beijing's agreement to fully reopen its markets to U.S. goods. He credited Treasury Secretary Scott Besent with steering the negotiations and noted over $10 trillion in new investments since the 2024 election, including landmark commitments from Apple, NVIDIA, and TSMC. Trump singled out NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, present at the forum, as "a man who owns 99% of the chip world" and hailed his leadership.

Trump also announced a $142 billion Saudi purchase of U.S. military equipment, calling it a vital pillar of regional stability. He listed multibillion-dollar commercial agreements with companies like Amazon, Oracle, AMD, Uber, Qualcomm, and Johnson & Johnson, crediting the recent stock market surge to restored business confidence. He emphasized his electoral victory as a national mandate, claiming wins in all seven swing states and a sweeping electoral map colored red.

Describing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic plan as an "unprecedented Arabian miracle," Trump praised the transformation of Riyadh into a global hub for business, culture, and technology. He pointed to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2030 World Expo as evidence of the kingdom's rising prominence. He credited Crown Prince Mohammed's leadership and celebrated the rise of Gulf cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Muscat as centers of innovation.

In contrast to failed Western interventions, Trump stated, the Gulf's transformation stemmed from its own cultural identity and vision, rather than foreign imposition. He argued that Saudi Arabia had achieved what the U.S. could not in Iraq or Afghanistan: sustainable prosperity rooted in heritage and stability. He portrayed the region as entering a new era defined by commerce, technology, and peace, rather than religious strife and foreign occupation.

Recalling the defeat of ISIS and the Abraham Accords, Trump accused the Biden administration of failing to build on those foundations, blaming it for unfreezing Iranian assets and enabling terrorist proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. He asserted that the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel would not have happened under his watch and said he looked forward to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, calling it a "historic pivot point for peace."

Trump sharply criticized Iran's leadership, describing it as the source of instability from Lebanon to Yemen. He contrasted the architectural achievements of Riyadh and Dubai with what he called the decay and repression in Tehran. However, he extended an olive branch, stating that the U.S. seeks negotiation, not permanent hostility. If Iran continues its aggression, he warned of renewed "maximum pressure," but promised a path to peace and prosperity if Iran chooses cooperation.

He highlighted U.S. military actions in the Red Sea, where over 1,100 strikes on Houthi targets led to the cessation of attacks on commercial vessels. He confirmed that the U.S. had captured the mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing and eliminated 83 terrorist leaders in recent months. Trump also announced the release of the final American hostage held by Hamas, Eitan Alexander, on the same day.

Turning to Syria and Lebanon, Trump expressed support for new leadership in both countries and revealed plans to normalize diplomatic relations with Damascus for the first time since 2011. He announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria following discussions with Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying, "Now is the time to give Syria a chance at greatness."

Trump praised the diplomatic success of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, mediated by trade leverage, and reiterated U.S. commitment to ending the war in Ukraine. He thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting peace talks in Turkey and argued that neither the October 7 massacre nor the Russia-Ukraine war would have occurred had he remained president.

He said U.S. negotiators led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio would attend the Ukraine peace summit in Turkey, where he expressed hope for a breakthrough. Trump emphasized Saudi Arabia's role in facilitating the dialogue, providing logistics and diplomatic support. He promised to recognize the kingdom's contribution should the talks succeed.

Trump also referenced the recently passed executive order to reduce prescription drug prices by up to 90%, calling it a major blow to the pharmaceutical lobby and a victory for ordinary Americans. He claimed the reform, combined with massive investments and domestic security improvements, proves that the U.S. is once again strong, respected, and ascendant on the world stage.

"The United States is experiencing a golden age," Trump said, his voice rising over applause. "And alongside our partners in Saudi Arabia and across this dynamic region, we will help usher in a golden age for the Middle East — one built on peace, prosperity, and shared purpose."

He closed by congratulating Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the success of Vision 2030 and offering heartfelt respect to King Salman, thanking him for his leadership, strength, and enduring friendship.