Saudi King-to-Be Marks Ascent With Gilded Welcome for Trump

Trump Arrives at US-Saudi Leaders' Summit Location

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By Sam Dagher

May 13, 2025 at 3:55 PM UTC

Updated on

May 14, 2025 at 7:27 AM UTC

When US President Donald Trump touched down in Riyadh he was greeted by a Saudi leader who was in every respect a king — except for his official title.

Each detail of Tuesday’s arrival and meetings was choreographed by the Saudi side to send one message: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 39, has the full backing of his family and most important foreign ally to represent his ailing father, King Salman, and eventually ascend to the throne.