Former President Donald Trump described Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) as a “good friend” following a phone call with the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. This statement comes just hours after a 9/11 victims’ widow publicly accused the kingdom of supporting terrorists involved in the attacks.
Trump’s Call with MBS
Speaking to reporters while on a tour in Ireland, Trump addressed a recent telephone conversation with MBS. The call reportedly centered on the escalating actions of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have recently gained significant territory. Trump expressed optimism about the situation, stating, “He’s a good friend of mine, and I can just say everything is gonna work out fine and dandy. It’s gonna be very good.”
The Houthi offensive has raised concerns due to their increased control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial waterway for global oil transport, similar to the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicated that MBS had contacted Trump twice on the preceding Thursday, seeking U.S. military intervention against the Houthis. However, Trump reportedly declined these requests.
Accusations at 9/11 Memorial
The former president’s remarks followed a nationally televised service at the Manhattan 9/11 memorial. At the event, Terry Strada, the widow of 9/11 victim Tom Strada, garnered applause from attendees as she voiced strong accusations against Saudi Arabia. Strada alleged that the kingdom has been instrumental in fostering “anti-American terrorism” and suggested that its agents provided support to the 9/11 hijackers.
Strada criticized successive U.S. administrations, stating, “For 25 years, administration after administration, including leaders in front of us here today, chose to protect the Saudis instead of standing with the 9/11 families.” She urged the current president to “tell the Saudis to stop lying” and to make it clear that the U.S. cannot maintain friendly relations with a nation that denies its alleged role in the attacks.
While Trump was not present at the memorial service, reportedly being at the Pentagon, other high-profile figures including Vice President JD Vance and former Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Biden were in attendance and heard Strada’s remarks.
Longstanding U.S.-Saudi Ties
U.S.-Saudi relations have been notably strong under the Trump administration. The former president has frequently highlighted his positive relationship with the 41-year-old MBS. During their time in office, the two leaders engaged in state visits and finalized significant deals, including a reported $1 trillion agreement encompassing military technology, rare earth minerals, and nuclear cooperation.
The recent request for U.S. assistance against the Houthis appears to represent a shift from Saudi Arabia’s stance in July, when officials reportedly indicated they could manage the Houthi threat independently. This development prompted emergency meetings this week between U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) leadership, including Admiral Brett Cooper, and Saudi officials.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Declassification Efforts
The families of 9/11 victims have long pursued legal action against the Saudi government, accusing it of complicity in the attacks. Fifteen of the nineteen 9/11 hijackers were Saudi nationals. Saudi Arabia has consistently denied any involvement in the attacks and has actively contested the families’ lawsuit in federal court for years.
A key focus of the families’ efforts is the declassification of records, including purported phone logs belonging to Omar al-Bayoumi, identified in 2022 FBI documents as a Saudi intelligence agent. Their lawsuit, initiated a decade ago, is now progressing toward trial. The White House has stated that the current administration is working to identify relevant records in response to the families’ requests.
Geopolitical Context: Houthi Threat
The Houthis’ territorial gains in Yemen have amplified concerns about regional stability and the security of vital shipping lanes. Their control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait poses a potential threat to international maritime trade, particularly the flow of oil. Reports of an oil tanker being targeted in the Gulf underscore these anxieties, with officials worried that emboldened Houthi actions could extend to attacks on vessels.
The situation highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, where regional conflicts intersect with international security interests and historical grievances. The former president’s comments, emphasizing personal friendship with MBS amidst these tensions, underscore the delicate balance of diplomacy, national security, and accountability for past events.
Conclusion
Former President Trump’s characterization of his relationship with MBS as a “good friendship” occurred concurrently with renewed calls for accountability from 9/11 victims’ families regarding Saudi Arabia’s alleged ties to the terrorist plot. While Trump expressed confidence in a positive resolution to the Houthi situation, the ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s historical role in terrorism continue to shape the narrative surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations.
