After initial jabs at the Saudi Crown Prince, Trump praised him as “smart” and acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s rise, softening his earlier remark
BY PC Bureau
March 28, 2026: US President Donald Trump created an awkward moment at a Saudi-backed investment forum after making controversial comments about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his address.
Speaking at the high-profile event attended by global business leaders and policymakers, Trump appeared to take a pointed jab at the Saudi leader, suggesting he had underestimated him. “He did not think this was going to happen. He didn’t think he would be kissing my a**… he thought I would be just another American president of a country going downhill. But now he has to be nice to me,” Trump said, remarks that quickly drew widespread attention online.
The comment reportedly left parts of the audience surprised, given the forum’s diplomatic focus, which aims to strengthen economic ties and promote investment in Saudi Arabia.
Shameful and Disgusting!
Trump using extremely derogatory language against Saudi Crown Prince MBS.
Is this how you talk about the head of a state, one of your greatest allies?
I could not believe it, so I had to watch the full speech, and here is the full version of what he… pic.twitter.com/ZqbWeyFV1H
— Saniya Sayed (@Ssaniya_) March 28, 2026
However, Trump later moderated his tone, describing the Crown Prince more positively. “But you know he (Crown Prince Salman) is a smart, a very regular kind of a guy. He said a year ago, ‘You were a dead country and now you are literally the hottest country anywhere in the world.’ And that was before we beat the hell out of Iran,” he added.
The forum, organised by an entity linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is a platform to attract global investors and showcase economic opportunities across the kingdom.
During his address, Trump also discussed the situation in West Asia, particularly tensions with Iran. He claimed that the region could soon be free from what he described as Iranian aggression. “We’re closer than ever to the rise of the Middle East that is finally free, at last, from Iranian terror, aggression, and nuclear blackmail,” he said. “For 47 years, Iran has been known as the bully of the Middle East, but they are not the bully any longer. They’re on the run.”
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Referring to recent developments, Trump added: “We saved not just Israel, we saved the Middle East, and it was proven by all those rockets that fired down upon you. Saudi Arabia got hit a lot.”
His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with Washington recently extending deadlines for talks while delaying potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Reports also indicate that Saudi Arabia has been working closely with the US, encouraging continued pressure on Iran and viewing the situation as a key moment to reshape regional dynamics.
The conflict has heightened risks for Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, which has faced retaliatory threats. Iranian strikes have reportedly targeted major energy facilities such as the Ras Tanura refinery and the Shaybah oil field, both critical to the kingdom’s oil production.
The episode underscores the delicate balance between diplomacy and rhetoric, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain high.
