Trump seeks to secure trade contracts, economic investment over geopolitics, diplomatic initiatives

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday trumpeted major business deals with Saudi Arabia as he basked in a lavish royal welcome on the first state visit of his second term. The Saudi hosts escorted Air Force One into the kingdom with fighter jets before bringing out long-stretching guards of honour and sending flag-waving horseback cavalry to accompany Trump’s motorcade to the palace. Greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and flanked by business leaders including Elon Musk, Trump’s visit underscores a shift toward transactional diplomacy. For deeper analysis, FRANCE 24’s Delano D’Souza speaks with Simon Mabon, Professor of International Politics and Middle East Studies and Director of SEPAD at Lancaster University.