Trump, while speaking publicly, recently stated the following about Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: “He didn’t know he was going to be sucking up to me.”
He made the comment while discussing how the US relationship with Saudi Arabia had changed from what it used to be. Trump said that the Saudis did not view US leadership as strong. However, he added that they do today.
“He doesn’t realize I’m the one who can make things happen…and now he has to be nice to me,” Trump continued. He added, “…he better be nice to me, he’s got to be.”
These comments are quite bold and unusual, especially considering the history of US-Saudi relations. For years, Saudi Arabia and the United States were considered close allies. In fact, both countries share many common interests in global security and energy production.
Consequently, this rhetoric will further complicate an already strained relationship between the United States and Middle East.
As a result of the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, there is still no confirmation of Saudi military involvement in the conflict.
