Trump and Saudi Crown Prince bask in their friendship during Riyadh visit

In May 2017, then-U.S. President Donald J. Trump embarked on his first international trip since taking office. The destination surprised some: Saudi Arabia. The visit, punctuated by lavish ceremonies, a high-stakes arms deal, and unusually warm diplomatic gestures, marked a pivotal moment in U.S.-Saudi relations. The apparent personal connection between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, was central to this visit. Trump's remark to MBS—"I like you too much"—may have sounded casual, but it encapsulated a deeper narrative of mutual admiration, strategic alignment, and geopolitical calculation.

The warmth of the relationship between Trump and MBS signaled a shift in how the United States approached Middle Eastern alliances. While every president before Trump maintained diplomatic ties with Riyadh, Trump brought a different tone—less reserved, more transactional, and unfiltered. The personal chemistry between the two leaders played an essential role in strengthening a controversial partnership with wide-ranging global consequences.

After years of tension under the Obama administration, Trump was eager to reestablish relations with Sunni Arab powers when he paid a visit to Saudi Arabia just a few months into his presidency. President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran and his criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record had introduced tensions between Washington and Riyadh. Trump’s arrival, in contrast, was welcomed with royal fanfare and mutual promises of renewed collaboration.

The Riyadh summit was not just a bilateral event. Leaders from over 50 Muslim-majority countries were invited to attend the Arab Islamic American Summit, where Trump delivered a keynote speech focused on combatting terrorism and strengthening regional alliances. His presence was designed to demonstrate U.S. commitment to traditional allies in the Middle East—particularly Saudi Arabia—as part of a broader strategy to isolate Iran and assert American influence.

The Crown Prince: A New Face of Saudi Power

MBS, although technically still the deputy crown prince at the time, was already the de facto power behind the throne. Young, ambitious, and outspoken, he was the architect of “Vision 2030,” a bold economic reform plan aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy. MBS sought to position himself as a modernizer—liberalizing certain aspects of Saudi society while consolidating political power.

For Trump, MBS was a refreshing contrast to the region’s traditional leaders. The crown prince perfectly matched Trump's preference for strongman leaders and business-first policies because he was unencumbered by diplomatic conventions and eager to engage on economic terms. The chemistry between the two was apparent during their meetings, with Trump hailing MBS as a “very special guy” and MBS describing the U.S. president as a “true friend of Saudi Arabia.”

Arms Deals and Economic Promises

One of the major outcomes of the Riyadh visit was the announcement of a $110 billion arms deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with promises of up to $350 billion in total investment over the next decade. While critics questioned the accuracy of these figures and the ethics of arming a regime involved in the Yemen conflict, Trump presented the deal as a win for American jobs and security.

Beyond defense, the summit opened the door to a range of economic partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and technology. American companies such as Lockheed Martin, General Electric, and ExxonMobil signed agreements with Saudi counterparts, underscoring the transactional nature of the Trump-MBS relationship. Domestic audiences appreciated both leaders' success in the economy. The “Too Much” Factor: Style Over Substance?

Trump’s infamous quip—“I like you too much”—to MBS during their later interactions may seem like offhanded flattery, but it reflects a pattern in Trump’s diplomatic style. He often prioritized personal rapport with world leaders over institutional processes, leading to what some analysts describe as “personality-driven diplomacy.”

There are advantages and disadvantages to this dynamic. On one hand, the strong personal relationship between Trump and MBS facilitated quicker agreements and reduced bureaucratic delays. On the other hand, it also meant that complex foreign policy issues—such as human rights abuses, the war in Yemen, and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—were sometimes brushed aside or downplayed in the name of friendship.

The Fallout and Global Implications

The Trump-MBS relationship came under intense scrutiny following the 2018 assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that MBS likely approved the operation, leading to global outrage. While many Western leaders distanced themselves from the crown prince, Trump continued to defend him, citing strategic and economic interests.

Critics argued that Trump's unwavering support for MBS undermined American credibility on human rights and democracy. However, proponents claimed that the relationship enhanced U.S. economic interests and ensured stability in a volatile region. The broader implication of this alliance was a recalibration of America’s foreign policy in the Middle East—less focused on democratization, more centered on realpolitik. Trump's stance signaled to allies and adversaries alike that loyalty and strategic utility mattered more than shared values.

Legacy and Reflection

Looking back, the Trump-MBS era highlights the complexities of modern diplomacy. Personal relationships between leaders can expedite deals and strengthen alliances, but they can also obscure accountability and ethical concerns. The bond between Trump and the Saudi crown prince reshaped U.S.-Saudi relations in ways that will continue to reverberate long after both leaders have left office.

For Saudi Arabia, the relationship brought a renewed sense of geopolitical clout and economic opportunity. For the United States, it raised difficult questions about the balance between strategic interests and moral responsibility.

As historians and political analysts continue to dissect this period, one thing remains clear: the phrase “I like you too much” was more than a soundbite. It was a defining emblem of a partnership that, for better or worse, left an indelible mark on global diplomacy.

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