Jets, Chips & a Clean Slate: How Trump Gave MBS Almost Everything He Wanted

Jets, Chips and a Clean Slate: How Trump Gave MBS Almost Everything He Wanted

When Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) visited Washington, he left with more than just diplomatic ceremonies; he achieved significant strategic wins. From promises of F-35 jets to AI cooperation and a symbolic reset of U.S.-Saudi relations, his agenda took center stage.

Here’s how the visit unfolded and why it could reshape U.S.-Saudi ties.

1. The F-35 Jets: Military Power on Offer

One of the biggest takeaways from the visit was Trump’s promise to sell F-35 stealth jets to Saudi Arabia. This move has deep strategic implications.

The F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and selling it to Saudi Arabia marks a bold step in defense cooperation. This deal also signals a change in how Washington views regional security: more of a partner than a subordinate.

2. AI Chips: Powering Saudi Arabia’s Post-Oil Future

Beyond jets, the visit highlighted technology cooperation in AI chips.

Trump and MBS talked about a framework for U.S.-Saudi chip trade and AI infrastructure as part of Riyadh’s plan to move its economy beyond oil. This is more than just business; it’s about diplomatic signaling. By selling cutting-edge chips, the U.S. is integrating Saudi Arabia into its technological future.

3. A Diplomatic Reset: Washing Away the Khashoggi Shadow

Symbolically, the visit represented a “clean slate” in U.S.-Saudi relations.

Trump’s warm welcome of MBS stands in stark contrast to past tensions, including the fallout from journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. By proceeding with major defense and tech deals, Trump seems to be resetting the relationship despite ongoing human rights issues.

4. What Trump Gains and What He Risks

Gains:

• Strengthens his image as a dealmaker and global power broker.

• Deepens U.S. influence in Saudi Arabia at a crucial geopolitical moment.

• Builds economic ties that could benefit his political agenda.

Risks:

• The F-35 sale might prompt congressional scrutiny or regional backlash, especially from Israel.

• Exporting key AI chip technology to Saudi Arabia raises national security concerns.

• Critics may claim Trump is overlooking MBS’s controversial past for geopolitical gain.

Conclusion: A Big Win for MBS and a Strategic Gamble for Trump

MBS’s trip to Washington was not just a simple visit; it was a power play, and by many measures, he won. Jets? Check. AI chips? Check. A renewed U.S.-Saudi partnership? Definitely.

For Trump, the potential rewards could be significant if the deals hold and the political costs are manageable. However, aligning so closely with MBS remains a gamble that links U.S. technology and military power to a controversial leader with a complex legacy.

How this all unfolds will impact regional stability, global power dynamics, and the future of U.S.-Saudi cooperation.