ABC News Daily How the Saudi crown prince inspires Trump
Nov 26, 2025
Noah Shachtman, a national security reporter and contributor for The New York Times, dives into the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Saudi relations. He highlights how Trump's lavish embrace of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman marks a significant pivot from past tensions, particularly after Khashoggi's murder. Shachtman discusses Trump's admiration for Saudi governance, his rollback on renewable energy, and the growing influence of Saudi power through military sales. Ultimately, he warns that this rapprochement poses risks for climate progress and amplifies Saudi geopolitical clout.
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Extravagant White House Welcome
- Noah Shachtman describes the White House reception for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as unprecedentedly lavish.
- He notes a follow-up business forum that invited U.S. companies to strike deals with Saudi Arabia.
Khashoggi Visit Controversy
- The crown prince had not visited the U.S. since Jamal Khashoggi's murder, yet Trump downplayed the killing.
- Trump called the prince a "human rights champion" despite Saudi capital punishments and the Khashoggi case.
Trump Modeling Saudi Governance
- Noah Shachtman argues Donald Trump models his presidency on Saudi Arabia's governance and economic style.
- Trump values oil wealth, limits press freedom, and centralises state-linked family business ties similar to Gulf monarchies.