Batya Ungar-Sargon (my favorite lefty along with Dan Turrentine) posts: “Anyone hoping to understand President Trump’s foreign policy should watch his whole speech, probably the most momentous foreign policy address of my lifetime. Trump is building a new world order. I would encourage our allies to watch it closely so as not to miss out on what could turn out to be a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Grok says: President Donald Trump delivered a speech at a U.S.-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025, during his first overseas trip since his reelection. The main points of the speech, as reported, include:
Lifting Sanctions on Syria: Trump announced the U.S. would remove all sanctions against Syria, stating they had served their purpose but it was now time for Syria to “move forward and shine” and have a “chance at greatness.” He expressed optimism for Syria’s new government post-Assad regime.
Praise for Saudi Arabia: Trump lauded Saudi Arabia’s leadership and transformation, highlighting their partnership with the U.S. He emphasized the kingdom’s commitment to invest $600 billion in U.S. deals, covering defense, infrastructure, and other sectors, nearly double Saudi Arabia’s 2025 defense budget.
New Vision for the Middle East: Trump articulated a shift in U.S. foreign policy, promoting a “you be you” approach, suggesting countries should prosper without U.S. interference in their governance. This was framed as a departure from past U.S. policies of dictating to other nations.
Regional Diplomacy: While not detailed in the speech itself, posts on X suggest Trump offered an “olive branch” to Iran while warning against nuclear ambitions, indicating a balanced approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Economic and Trade Focus: The speech underscored economic partnerships, aligning with Trump’s broader agenda of securing trade and investment deals, as seen in the Saudi investment announcement and his recent trade agreements with the UK and China.
Importance of the Speech
The speech was significant for several reasons:
Foreign Policy Shift: Announcing the end of Syrian sanctions marked a notable policy change, potentially reshaping U.S.-Syria relations and signaling a less interventionist stance in the Middle East. This aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to prioritize peace over “endless wars.”
Economic Impact: The $600 billion Saudi investment deal is a major economic commitment, potentially boosting U.S. industries like defense and infrastructure. It reinforces Trump’s focus on leveraging foreign investment to strengthen the U.S. economy.
Geopolitical Messaging: By praising Saudi Arabia and advocating for regional autonomy, Trump positioned the U.S. as a partner rather than a hegemon, which could influence alliances and rivalries in the Middle East, especially with Iran and Syria.
First Overseas Trip: As the kickoff to Trump’s first international tour since reelection, the speech set the tone for his second term’s foreign policy, emphasizing economic deals and diplomatic pragmatism.
Why It Received Little News Coverage
Despite its significance, the speech appears to have garnered limited attention in mainstream media. Several factors likely contributed:
Competing News Stories: On May 13, 2025, other stories may have dominated headlines. For instance, NPR reported on the Supreme Court upholding Trump’s transgender military ban, a $500 million universal flu vaccine project, and the end of protective status for Afghans in the U.S., all of which are divisive domestic issues likely to draw more attention.
Foreign Policy Fatigue: U.S. audiences often prioritize domestic issues like the economy, immigration, or cultural debates over foreign policy, especially in a region like the Middle East, where public interest has waned since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The speech’s focus on Syria and Saudi Arabia may have seemed less urgent to news outlets catering to domestic concerns.
Media Bias or Framing: Some sources suggest Trump’s speeches are underreported if they don’t fit certain narratives. An X post claimed the speech was “monumental” but made only a “minor splash,” possibly due to media reluctance to highlight Trump’s diplomatic successes or his critique of past U.S. policies. However, this claim is speculative and not independently verified.
Event Context: The speech occurred at an investment forum, not a high-profile summit or crisis event, potentially reducing its perceived urgency. The celebratory tone, ending with “YMCA” playing and photo ops with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may have framed it as more ceremonial than substantive.
Information Gaps: Specific details about the speech’s content are sparse in major outlets, with more focus on the Saudi investment deal or Trump’s arrival in Riyadh. This could indicate limited press pool access, a focus on outcomes (e.g., the $600 billion deal) over rhetoric, or reliance on wire services like Reuters, which provided brief coverage.
