Trump slams Biden’s subdued Saudi meeting as too weak
Former US President Donald Trump has criticised Joe Biden’s 2022 meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling it too subdued. Trump contrasted his own lavish reception of the prince in 2018 with Biden’s more restrained approach. The remarks highlight ongoing debate over US-Saudi relations and human rights concerns.
In 2018, Trump welcomed the Saudi crown prince to the White House with a grand ceremony. A military flyover and red carpet marked the arrival, followed by an emphatic handshake and a walk along the Colonnade. Trump later praised the prince’s leadership and announced hundreds of billions in Saudi investments in the US.
During Biden’s 2022 visit to Saudi Arabia, the president greeted the crown prince with a fist bump. Critics argued this still signalled a softening of the US stance on human rights, given the prince’s controversial record—including the unresolved murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Biden faced accusations of prioritising strategic ties over accountability.
Trump recently mocked Biden’s fist bump, declaring, ‘I grab that hand.’ He reaffirmed his own approach, framing it as stronger and more assertive in dealing with Saudi leadership.
The differing receptions reflect broader tensions in US foreign policy toward Saudi Arabia. Trump’s comments underscore a divide over how to balance diplomatic relations with human rights concerns. The debate continues as both administrations face scrutiny over their engagement with the kingdom.
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