Trump introduces someone richer than Saudi Crown Prince — you won't believe who

UPDATED: May 16, 2025 04:39 IST

In a moment that captured widespread global attention, US President Donald Trump, during his high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, introduced tech mogul Elon Musk to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), a symbolic meeting between two of the world’s most influential figures and the two richest individuals in the room.

As Trump arrived in Riyadh for his first foreign visit of his second term, he was greeted with fanfare on a lavender carpet — a Saudi twist on traditional red-carpet diplomacy, symbolizing hospitality and desert wildflowers. The ceremonial welcome included trumpets, national anthems, and a royal escort into the opulent Saudi Royal Court.

Musk, whose net worth recently soared to over USD 350 billion, shook hands with the Crown Prince, whose own wealth, while vast and supported by the trillions held by the royal family and sovereign funds, is personally estimated at around USD 25 billion.

The encounter, caught on video and now viral on social media, was described by insiders as part of a broader push to discuss technological cooperation, energy investments, and next-generation infrastructure.

“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said of MBS during the ceremony, adding, “This is an honor. He’s very wise, wise beyond his years.”

Trump, who has often praised the Saudi leadership for its modernization efforts, appeared energized during the trip. Speaking to reporters before his departure from Washington, he hinted at progress in nuclear negotiations with Iran. “They’re talking very intelligently,” Trump said. “We’ll see what we’ll do in regards to Iran. They can’t have a nuclear weapon, but they’re being very reasonable thus far.”

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