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Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Trump Pitches America's ‘Golden Age' to Wealthy Gulf Investors
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—When President Donald Trump arrived in the Saudi capital on May 13, one of his first actions was to address the Gulf's business elite, promoting the United States as a prime destination for investment amid a new era shaped by his 'America First' agenda. Trump made it clear that his three-day tour of the Middle East, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, would be all about making deals. Speaking at the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center, Trump commended the kingdom's transformation since his last visit eight years ago. He began his speech by saying, 'I've come this afternoon to talk about the bright future of the Middle East, but first, let me begin by sharing the abundance of good news from a place called America.' He talked about inheriting a border crisis and bringing illegal crossings down to historic lows within weeks, declining inflation, and nearly half a million new jobs being created since he took office. He praised trade deals with the UK and China as major wins, adding that investment in America is up 22 percent in the first quarter and that Congress is close to passing the largest tax and regulatory cuts in U.S. history, underscoring his message that now is the right moment to invest in the United States. Prior to his prepared address, Trump took the stage in a way reminiscent of his 2024 election campaign, with 'God Bless the USA' playing. He then spoke for more than an hour before wrapping up with 'Y.M.C.A.,' the song he frequently used to close his campaign rallies. Related Stories 5/13/2025 5/13/2025 'We are rocking,' Trump told the forum, bringing U.S. and Saudi business executives together. 'The United States is the hottest country, with the exception of your country, I have to say,' he joked. As in his first term, Trump chose Saudi Arabia for his first state visit, signaling his strategic importance of ties with the oil-rich nation. Seeking to draw multibillion-dollar investments into the United States, Trump turned to the Gulf states, home to some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, as ideal partners to advance his economic agenda. During the meetings in Riyadh, the kingdom has committed $600 billion in investments across various U.S. sectors, including AI data centers, aerospace, energy infrastructure, defense, and health care. 'We've launched the Golden Age,' Trump said. 'It's the golden age. We see it, see it with all that money—trillions and trillions of dollars. 'We will be together. We will succeed together.' Investment and Arms Agreements Before his remarks at the investment forum, Trump and the crown prince signed a strategic economic partnership agreement, which includes several memoranda of understanding on energy, mineral resources, and cooperation in defense, justice, space, and infectious diseases. As part of the agreement, Riyadh officials plan to allocate capital to specialized sectors, including a $5 billion Energy Investment Fund and a $5 billion New Era Aerospace and Defense Technology Fund. In addition, the United States will export billions of dollars' worth of gas turbines, energy solutions, and services. Saudi Arabia is also set to purchase approximately $142 billion in advanced warfighting equipment and services from more than a dozen U.S. defense companies. The White House described the deal as the 'largest defense sales agreement in history.' After taking office, Trump made it clear that his visits abroad would prioritize countries that commit to substantial investment in the United States. The United Arab Emirates has earlier committed to a $1.4 trillion investment framework in the United States over the next decade, targeting AI and semiconductor infrastructure, the energy sector, and manufacturing. The UAE will be Trump's third stop during his Middle East tour. Trump touched down in Saudi Arabia with a strong delegation. Accompanying the president were several top officials and advisers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, as well as senior aides Susie Wiles and Stephen Miller. U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman interact with officials during a 'coffee ceremony' at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025. Trump begins a multi-nation tour of the Gulf region focused on expanding economic ties and reinforcing security cooperation with key U.S. Prince Mohammed bin Salman greeted Trump upon his arrival at the airport with a ceremonious welcome reminiscent of the warm reception he received during his first term. During his bilateral meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince in Riyadh, Trump joked that his $600 billion investment commitment could be a trillion dollars. 'I really believe we like each other a lot,' Trump said. In Riyadh, lavender carpets were rolled out for Trump at every stop. The color, chosen by Saudi Arabia as a national symbol, is inspired by the lavender flowers that blanket the kingdom's deserts each spring. After his arrival, Trump attended a high-level lunch at the Saudi Royal Court with bin Salman. Dozens of U.S. executives also participated in the lunch meeting, underscoring the economic focus of the visit and the potential business deals being negotiated. Prominent guests included Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Companies also announced deals during the investment forum. Nvidia revealed it would sell more than 18,000 of its latest AI chips to Saudi tech firm Humain. Saudi Aramco unveiled a $3.4 billion investment plan to upgrade its Motiva refinery in Texas. Meanwhile, Musk announced that Saudi Arabia approved the use of Starlink for its maritime and aviation sectors. Regional Security During his address to the forum, Trump praised the transformation of Riyadh under the leadership of King Salman and the crown prince, calling it 'truly extraordinary.' Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations have shifted from oil-dependent economies to diversified industries, including high tech, Trump said. The president stated that this transition would lead to a future in which the region is 'defined by commerce, not chaos,' and 'exports technology, not terrorism.' 'After so many decades of conflict, finally it is within our grasp to reach the future that generations before us could only dream about—a land of peace, safety, harmony, opportunity, innovation, and achievement right here in the Middle East,' he said. He took a shot at 'Western interventionists' who give Arab nations 'lectures on how to live and how to govern.' 'Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation-builders, neocons, or liberal nonprofits like those who spent trillions and trillions of dollars failing to develop Kabul, Baghdad, so many other cities,' Trump said. Trump touted the Abraham Accords signed during his first administration, expressing hope that Saudi Arabia would soon join the accord. 'It's my fervent hope, wish, and even my dream that Saudi Arabia will soon be joining the Abraham Accords,' Trump said. 'But you'll do it in your own time.' The Abraham Accords were various agreements signed in 2020 to improve relations between Israel and several Arab states, including Bahrain, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates. He acknowledged, however, that the Saudis are not prepared to bolster relations with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Trump pivoted to Iran, striking a tough but cordial tone. He described Iran as 'the biggest and most destructive' force in the region, causing 'unthinking suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen, and beyond.' However, as Washington partakes in talks with Iran, Trump said he would offer the Islamic regime 'a new path and a much better path toward a far better and more hopeful future.' 'The time is right now for them to choose,' the president said, alluding to the country's nuclear ambitions. 'Things are happening at a very fast pace, so they have to make their move right now.' In a move that garnered sustained applause, Trump confirmed he would order the cessation of sanctions against Syria. He plans to greet Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara—who led the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December—on May 13. The United States has imposed punishing restrictions on Syria in the wake of a civil war that began in 2011 there. Past presidents have attempted to pressure the government to halt violence against citizens and advocate for political reforms. The new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has past links to terrorist organizations, has vowed to be a moderate leader and pursue diplomatic ties with Western countries. Since obtaining power, al-Sharaa has adopted several reforms that advance free speech, freedom of the press, and women's political and economic rights. He recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron over unwinding sanctions on Damascus.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pope prays for ‘miracle of peace' to end wars in Ukraine and Gaza
Pope Leo XIV said he was praying to God to grant the world the 'miracle of peace' and end wars in Ukraine and Gaza. In his first Sunday mass to a huge crowd in St Peter's Square, he appealed to the world's major powers for 'no more war'. The new pope, elected on May 8, called for an 'authentic and lasting peace' in Ukraine. He pleaded for 'a true and lasting peace to be possible including the release of hostages and return of children to their families.' He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all Israeli hostages and access for humanitarian aid. Pope Leo also called for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The 69-year-old pontiff urged young people to join in praying for the 'miracle of peace,' and added that he would also pray for all the mothers of the world, as well as those already in heaven, as many countries across the globe celebrate Mother's Day. A roar of approval welled up from the crowd as he stepped onto the balcony, the sparkle of bright sun glinting off thousands of cell phones held high as he waved, smiling. Pope Leo's first Sunday address to tens of thousands of people in the square coincided with a previously planned pilgrimage to Rome by marching bands from around the world. Minutes before the pope addressed the crowd, bands marched up the broad boulevard leading to the Vatican playing songs such as Y.M.C.A. by the Village People, the theme from the film Rocky, and music by John Philip Sousa, who composed the marching classic Stars and Stripes Forever. The crowd, estimated at more than 100,000 by Italian authorities, was also entertained by bands from Italy, Mexico and other parts of Latin America who came to Rome for the ongoing Catholic Holy Year. Pope Leo, born in Chicago as Robert Prevost and a missionary for decades in Peru, was elected on Thursday, becoming the first US-born pope to the surprise and delight of Catholics across the Americas. After a surprise visit on Saturday to the Our Lady of Good Counsel shrine in a 13th century church in the town of Genazzano outside Rome, Pope Leo prayed at sunset at the tomb of his late predecessor Pope Francis, leaving a single white flower before departing the basilica at Santa Maria Maggiore. As his dark van drove through the narrow streets of Rome, Pope Leo, seated in front next to his driver, leaned out of the open window to shake hands and pump a thumbs up sign to an exuberant crowd. On Saturday the newly-elected pontiff was met with a standing ovation by the College of Cardinals, to whom he indicated that he will follow closely the path carved out by Pope Francis. He explained that he chose his papal name after Pope Leo XIII because it reflected a commitment to the Church's social teaching and defending 'human dignity, justice and labour' amid a new industrial revolution driven by artificial intelligence. Pope Leo XIII was an Italian elected in 1879 and who in 1891 wrote the historic encyclical Rerum Novarum [of revolutionary change] to address the conditions of the working classes wrought by the industrial revolution. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Semisonic band condemns White House's use of their 'Closing Time' song in deportation video
The band Semisonic made clear Monday that it did not "authorize or condone" a White House video using their song "Closing Time." The official White House and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) X accounts posted the video showing deportations to the famed '90s song, with the White House featuring the lyrics, "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here." "It's closing time. We are making America safe again," CBP said in its repost. 'God Bless The Usa' Singer Lee Greenwood Says It's A 'Privilege' To Perform His Hit Song For Trump In a statement posted hours later, Semisonic said that the band did not approve of the video and that the Trump administration had "missed the point" of the song. "We did not authorize or condone the White House's use of our song 'Closing Time' in any way. And no, they didn't ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely," Semisonic wrote on X. Read On The Fox News App Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained the video during Monday's press briefing, saying it "sums up our immigration policy pretty well: You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here." "The White House and our entire government clearly is leaning into the message of this president and we are unafraid to double down and to take responsibility and ownership of the serious decisions that are being made," Leavitt said. "The president was elected with an overwhelming mandate to launch the largest mass deportation campaign in American history. And that's exactly what he is doing." Kid Rock Defends Trump's Music Taste As 'Freakin' The Best' After Media Backlash Semisonic joins a lengthy list of famous bands and musicians, including Foo Fighters, Celine Dion, Beyoncé and ABBA, who have complained about President Donald Trump using their songs during campaign or White House events. One notable exception is the Village People. After previously insisting Trump stop using their songs "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man," the band's founding member Victor Willis changed his mind in 2024 after complimenting Trump for "bringing so much joy to the American people" with his article source: Semisonic band condemns White House's use of their 'Closing Time' song in deportation video
Fox News
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Semisonic band condemns White House's use of their 'Closing Time' song in deportation video
The band Semisonic made clear Monday that it did not "authorize or condone" a White House video using their song "Closing Time." The official White House and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) X accounts posted the video showing deportations to the famed '90s song, with the White House featuring the lyrics, "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here." "It's closing time. We are making America safe again," CBP said in its repost. In a statement posted hours later, Semisonic said that the band did not approve of the video and that the Trump administration had "missed the point" of the song. "We did not authorize or condone the White House's use of our song 'Closing Time' in any way. And no, they didn't ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely," Semisonic wrote on X. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained the video during Monday's press briefing, saying it "sums up our immigration policy pretty well: You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here." "The White House and our entire government clearly is leaning into the message of this president and we are unafraid to double down and to take responsibility and ownership of the serious decisions that are being made," Leavitt said. "The president was elected with an overwhelming mandate to launch the largest mass deportation campaign in American history. And that's exactly what he is doing." Semisonic joins a lengthy list of famous bands and musicians, including Foo Fighters, Celine Dion, Beyoncé and ABBA, who have complained about President Donald Trump using their songs during campaign or White House events. One notable exception is the Village People. After previously insisting Trump stop using their songs "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man," the band's founding member Victor Willis changed his mind in 2024 after complimenting Trump for "bringing so much joy to the American people" with his songs.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump calls for jailing his perceived opponents in Justice Department speech
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump defended his allies Friday while calling for his perceived political opponents to be jailed during a speech at the headquarters of the Justice Department — an agency that was prosecuting him just months ago. Trump called U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who helped dismiss his classified documents case, a 'brilliant' judge, while condemning 'horrible human beings' whom he accused of disparaging Cannon. 'It's totally illegal what they do. I just hope you can all watch for it, but it's totally illegal, and it was so unfair what they were doing to her,' Trump said. After deeming the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 as 'the most humiliating time in this history of our country,' Trump called for the people behind the decision, officials from the Biden administration, to be imprisoned. 'The people who did this to us should go to jail. They should go to jail,' he said. He also said he would 'insist upon and demand full and complete accountability for the wrongs and abuses that have occurred.'Calling former special counsel Jack Smith 'deranged,' Trump referred to the hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants he pardoned on his first day in office as 'hostages' and said the Justice Department would not return to what he declared as an era of weaponization. 'Those days are over, and they are never going to come back,' Trump said. Trump was indicted in two separate federal cases: one involving his handling of classified documents, and another involving his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. The cases were dismissed after the 2024 election, and career prosecutors who had worked on Smith's team were fired when Trump took office, as were numerous federal prosecutors who handled Jan. 6 cases. Trump's remarks are not the first time he has called to imprison his political opponents. But the venue of his speech — delivering the remarks at the Justice Department to a room full of its top officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel — demonstrates how his previous campaign threats of vengeance and retribution have taken on significantly higher stakes now that he wields the enormous power of the presidency. Trump noted the significance of his remarks at the Justice Department, on Friday becoming the third president this century to deliver a speech at the agency's headquarters. 'I was asked to do it, and I said, 'Is it appropriate that I do it?' And then I realized it's not only appropriate, I think it's really important, and I may never do it again,' Trump said. 'I may never have another chance to do it again, because this is something that I'm leaving to the greatest people I know, the best people, the smartest people, the toughest people I know, and they're going to do an incredible job.' When Trump finished his speech, a mainstay of his campaign rallies, the song 'Y.M.C.A.,' played over the speakers inside the Justice Department's Great Hall. This article was originally published on
