President Donald Trump, who is currently in the process of preparing for the 2024 presidential election, is expected to welcome Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, during an upcoming state visit. This meeting has generated significant ethical scrutiny due to the Trump family’s longstanding business interests in Saudi Arabia. The Trump Organization, led by President Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr., has been involved in several high-profile real estate and development projects in the Kingdom, including a major construction project tied to the Diriyah development, a landmark project in the capital city of Riyadh.
The proposed Diriyah project, which includes luxury residential properties, commercial spaces, and hospitality facilities, is being developed by a joint venture between the Saudi government and a prominent U.S. company. Jerry Inzerillo, a former executive at the Trump Organization, is reportedly involved in the project’s management, which has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. The Trump family’s business dealings with Saudi Arabia have been a subject of public and political debate, particularly in light of the ongoing U.S. sanctions against the Kingdom due to its alleged human rights violations and involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Trump family’s business connections with Saudi Arabia, the administration has not issued any formal statements indicating concerns about the potential conflicts of interest. However, with the upcoming presidential election, the ethical implications of these business ties are likely to become a focal point for political opponents and watchdog groups. The meeting between Trump and bin Salman is scheduled to be part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen economic and strategic ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia, despite the ongoing scrutiny of their business relationship.