Trump Brings Musk To Middle East
RIYADH — President Donald Trump kicked off his Middle East visit with a powerful show of U.S. business strength, joined by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk for a high-profile luncheon with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO participated in a ceremonial coffee reception at the Royal Court ahead of the working lunch. President Trump, continuing his America First diplomacy, personally introduced Musk to the crown prince, sharing warm gestures and brief private conversation.
Musk, who currently serves as a top adviser to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been a regular presence in Trump’s post-election meetings, including Cabinet-level briefings and economic strategy sessions. His work has focused on cutting government waste, improving infrastructure, and promoting innovation—all pillars of the Trump administration’s economic vision.
A Powerhouse Gathering of Global Leaders
Also in attendance were key figures from the world of business and government, underscoring the Trump administration’s push to attract foreign investment and solidify economic partnerships. Leaders included:
- Stephen Schwarzman (Blackstone)
- Larry Fink (BlackRock)
- Andy Jassy (Amazon)
- Kelly Ortberg (Boeing)
- Sam Altman (OpenAI)
- Arvind Krishna (IBM)
- Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn co-founder)
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino
- Miami Mayor Francis Suarez
The event marked a strategic moment for U.S.-Saudi relations as President Trump advances a pro-growth agenda that emphasizes manufacturing, energy independence, and international cooperation—with U.S. companies at the forefront.
Musk Balances Washington and Business
Although Musk’s official advisory role is set to conclude on May 30, he recently stated in a media briefing that he intends to maintain a scaled-back presence in Washington—one to two days per week—while returning full-time to lead Tesla and SpaceX.
Insiders say pressure from Tesla’s board and shareholders has mounted for Musk to resume daily operations, especially as the company ramps up domestic manufacturing and AI integration—initiatives aligned with the president’s industrial policy.
Trump’s Middle East Tour Continues
Following his meetings in Riyadh, President Trump is scheduled to travel to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. These visits are expected to include major announcements on trade, energy partnerships, and new infrastructure investments involving U.S. companies.
As America leads again under President Trump’s economic revival, the presence of business titans like Elon Musk underscores a bold new chapter in U.S. global leadership—fueled by innovation, strength, and renewed alliances.
