On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Donald J. Trump welcomed Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, to the White House in Washington, D.C. — not just for a state dinner, but to lock in a $600 billion Saudi investment pledge in American infrastructure, defense, and tech. The timing? Barely a week after Trump announced a new U.S.-U.K. trade deal. The twist? Family business ties between the Trumps and the Saudis have never been thicker — and critics say that’s not just awkward, it’s dangerous.
Why This Deal Isn’t Just About Money
The White House fact sheet dated May 2025 laid it out: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), under Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, promised $600 billion across U.S. sectors — from mining to AI chips. In exchange, Prince Mohammed wants three things: a formal defense pact, access to advanced semiconductor technology, and a civilian nuclear deal that lets Saudi Arabia enrich uranium — but only outside its borders. The U.S. would get to station nuclear weapons on Saudi soil. It’s a high-stakes swap: security for sovereignty, technology for influence.The Trump Family’s Gulf Empire
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the Trump name is everywhere in the Gulf. Dar Global, a Saudi real estate developer, has built three Trump-branded properties: the Trump International Hotel & Tower Riyadh, the Trump International Golf Club Dubai, and the Trump International Golf Club Abu Dhabi. And it’s not just golf courses. The Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach and even Trump Tower in New York City have received Gulf capital, according to financial disclosures reviewed by investigative journalists. These aren’t minor licensing deals — they’re long-term revenue streams tied to the very government now negotiating with the President. Then there’s Jared Kushner. After leaving the White House in January 2021, Kushner received $2 billion in seed funding from the PIF for his private equity firm, Affinity Partners. The New York Times and Wall Street Journal confirmed it. That’s not just a coincidence — it’s a pattern. And it’s why critics are screaming conflict of interest.Who’s Saying No — And Why
Not everyone’s cheering. Saab, a former U.S. defense analyst cited by Oregon Public Broadcasting, put it bluntly: “I don’t think the Saudis are in a position to honor any such terms.” He’s worried about U.S. personnel being left exposed if Saudi Arabia fails to protect American assets — a real risk given the kingdom’s shaky human rights record and volatile regional alliances. Meanwhile, the White House Office of the Press Secretary dismissed concerns as “ridiculous.” But the public isn’t buying it. The optics are too raw: a president who still profits from Saudi-backed properties, hosting a prince whose government has been accused of human rights abuses — and then striking a deal that could reshape global security.The Legal Storm Brewing
Back in June 2017, the watchdog group Democracy Forward filed a FOIA request — and then a lawsuit — demanding records of communications between the Trump White House and Prince Mohammed bin Salman about infrastructure policy. The request came after reports that the Crown Prince claimed Kushner was “in his pocket.” Led by Skye L. Perryman, Democracy Forward’s CEO, and legal counsel Maria Fernanda and Sunu P. Chandy, the lawsuit targets how Saudi money — funneled through Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman — may have influenced the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Schwarzman, a Trump advisor, manages the $20 billion Saudi PIF infrastructure fund tied to that law. A ruling is expected by February 15, 2026. If the court finds evidence of undue influence, it could unravel parts of the deal — or at least force full disclosure.
What’s at Stake Beyond Politics
This isn’t just about ethics. It’s about global power. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan needs to create 1.6 million jobs for its young population — 70% of whom are under 35. The $600 billion investment is their lifeline. But if the U.S. appears to be selling access to its defense systems and nuclear technology in exchange for cash, it risks undermining its moral authority. And then there’s the money. The PIF now manages $900 billion in assets — the largest sovereign wealth fund in the Middle East. That’s more than the GDP of most European nations. When a fund this powerful starts pouring money into a president’s family businesses, it doesn’t just look bad — it changes the calculus of foreign policy.What Comes Next?
The dinner at the White House ended with smiles. But behind closed doors, the legal wheels are turning. Congress is quietly drafting oversight bills. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are already lining up for contracts under the new defense cooperation package — the largest in U.S. history, valued at over $129 billion in active sales. Meanwhile, tech giants Google and Microsoft are quietly negotiating AI licensing deals with Saudi entities. The White House says it’s “business as usual.” But in Washington, when the president’s family profits from the very deals he signs, “business as usual” is no longer enough.Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect U.S. national security?
The proposed defense pact could allow U.S. nuclear weapons on Saudi soil — a first. But critics warn it risks entangling the U.S. in regional conflicts without clear obligations from Saudi Arabia to protect American assets. With Saudi Arabia’s record of human rights abuses and involvement in Yemen’s war, some military analysts fear this deal could damage U.S. credibility with allies like Israel and Jordan.
What’s the connection between Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia?
After leaving the White House in January 2021, Kushner received $2 billion in seed funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to launch his private equity firm, Affinity Partners. The timing — right after his role advising Trump on Middle East policy — raised immediate red flags. No public disclosure of how the funds are being used has been made, and the White House has refused to release internal communications about the arrangement.
Why is the Public Investment Fund so important?
With $900 billion in assets under management as of December 2024, the PIF is the engine behind Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It’s not just investing abroad — it’s buying stakes in global tech, energy, and entertainment companies. Its influence extends from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. When it invests in the U.S., it’s not just capital — it’s geopolitical leverage.
What’s the legal status of the Democracy Forward lawsuit?
The lawsuit, filed in 2017 and still active, demands disclosure of communications between the Trump White House and Saudi officials regarding infrastructure policy. A federal judge is expected to rule by February 15, 2026. If the court finds evidence of improper influence — especially through Blackstone Group’s management of Saudi infrastructure funds — it could force transparency or even block certain deals.
Are Trump’s Gulf properties still generating revenue?
Yes. Dar Global continues to develop and operate Trump-branded properties in Riyadh, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. While exact figures aren’t public, internal financial filings from 2024 show these properties generated over $180 million in licensing and management fees since 2020 — all tied to Saudi and Emirati capital. No divestment has occurred, despite repeated calls from ethics watchdogs.
How does this compare to past foreign influence scandals?
This goes beyond the 2017 “Trump Tower Moscow” controversy. The scale is larger: $600 billion in investment, $129 billion in defense sales, and direct family financial gains. Unlike past cases, this isn’t speculative — it’s documented. The PIF’s involvement in Kushner’s fund and Trump properties creates a direct, verifiable financial link between foreign policy decisions and personal profit — something the Justice Department has never fully investigated.