On his first trip to the Middle East during his second term, President Donald Trump signaled his cozy relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling him by his first name and making offhand jokes while speaking at a high-profile investment forum in Riyadh.
Trump: The United States is the hottest country, with the exception of your country, right? I'm not going to take that on. No, Muhammad, I will not take that on. That would be a terrible thing if I made that statement. I will not do it. You're hotter. pic.twitter.com/TlpaBb8ZJR
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 13, 2025
"The United States is the hottest country, with the exception of your country, right? I'm not going to take that on. No, Muhammad, I will not take that on. That would be a terrible thing if I made that statement. I will not do it. You're hotter," Trump quipped, drawing laughter from the audience — and indignation on social media.
He is so far out of his league here.
— Cadence (@SwiftCadence) May 13, 2025
MBS has a new court jester.
The informal tone, paired with the president's casual use of the Crown Prince's first name, stunned many online, with critics accusing Trump of embarrassing the US on the world stage and cozying up to authoritarian leaders.
"'Muhammad'? I guess when your son-in-law closes a $2 billion deal with them you can be informal?" one user wrote, referencing Jared Kushner's controversial investment ties to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
The President of the United States performing for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia? This is a terrible look.
— ⭐️ Merrily awaiting ⭐️ (@MerrillLynched) May 13, 2025
The Trump administration's "America First" policy was cited as a point of hypocrisy, noting Trump's flattering of Saudis as the White House touts nationalistic ideology. "Kiss the ring. Bend the knee. Lick the boot," a critic wrote, adding, "America first-ish."
Wow. So much for America First. What an asshole
— kd (@iwilit179) May 13, 2025
Critics also pointed to Trump's policy contradictions — including his 2017 Muslim travel ban — as a sign of hypocrisy in his overtures to the Saudi leadership. "Didn't Trump ban Muslims from entering the US?" one user asked rhetorically.
Others mocked the duo's buddy-buddy dynamic. "Putin and Mohamed Bin Bone Saw.... Trump's got man crushes on these guys..." read one post, referring to Trump's perceived preference for dictators. "Welcome the new First Lady, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman!" another read sarcastically, with another suggesting the pair "Get a f---ing room!"
What actually is he talking about???? He is such an embarrassment!
— R (@RobertC38981468) May 13, 2025
Still, loyalists defended Trump. "It's called diplomacy!" an X user countered.
Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia included the signing of investment agreements between the two nations, and Trump's announcement of plans to lift sanctions on Syria.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump's Gulf tour as a "historic return to the Middle East." His trip will continue through the week with stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
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