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Pool report #8 / airport

From
Matt Viser
Sent
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 12:46 PM

Motorcade ride was uneventful, with roads closed off and police officers standing at attention outside their vehicles and facing away from the traffic. Portions of the roads were lined with US and Saudi flags.

We arrived at King Khalid International Airport at 12:41pm. Did not see POTUS go up the stairs, arriving just in time to see workers rolling up the lavender carpet and pushing stairs to the side.

Engines are roaring and we have boarded AF1. Should be wheels up shortly.

The WH also sent along a series of statements from business leaders praising the trip to Saudi Arabia and deals that were secured during it. Passing those along here:

Saudi Arabia:

DataVolt CEO Rajit Nanda: “This partnership was made possible in large part due to the enabling technology and trade frameworks advanced during the Trump Administration—policies that championed high-tech exports, strengthened U.S.-Saudi strategic ties, which have empowered entrepreneurial collaboration in the digital era.”

Oracle CEO Safra Catz: “Thanks to the decisive actions and strong leadership of President Trump and his administration, Oracle is providing the world’s most advanced cloud and AI technology to Saudi Arabia. Our expanded partnership with the Kingdom will create new opportunities for its economy, deliver better health outcomes for its people, and fortify its alliance with the United States, which will create a ripple effect of peace and prosperity across the Middle East and around the world.”

GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik: “As the world's energy equipment manufacturer, GE Vernova is proud to deploy world class technology to help deepen the longstanding relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, advance energy security, and strengthen the economic prosperity and competitiveness of both nations. We are thankful for the leadership of both governments for putting energy manufacturing, innovation, and technology front and center, setting the strongest possible precedent for the role of equipment to unlock more solutions globally. We are committed to continuing our work to grow capacity and jobs in the U.S. and beyond to meet these critical needs.”

Shamekh SIV Solutions, LLC Chairman and Founder Stephen Shaya, M.D.: “We extend our profound gratitude to President Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Administrations of the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and our future partner Alturki Holding for their unwavering support and shared vision in making this endeavor possible. The Trump Administration’s policies and engagements have shown leadership and laid the groundwork for international partnerships and investment opportunities. As we embark on this transformative journey, we are committed to generating employment, stimulating industrial growth, and contributing to the development of a robust pharmaceutical industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Together with our esteemed partners, we are fortifying global competitiveness and positioning ourselves as leaders in the healthcare sector. This venture represents a monumental leap forward in our mission to deliver innovative healthcare

solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering international collaborations, we aim to set new standards in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research, ultimately improving patient outcomes worldwide.”

Saudi Excellence Co. Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Zaid Al-Meleihi on the Energy Investment Fund:“This vehicle represents more than capital—it is a bridge of trust and ambition between two great nations. We are proud to recognize the legacy of President Trump, which positioned the United States as a magnet for innovation and opportunity and elevated the conditions necessary for meaningful bilateral engagement.”

New Era Fund and New Vista Capital General Partners Adam Kaplan and Kirsten Bartok Touw, along with Saudi Excellence Co. Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Zaid Al Meleihi: “We extend our gratitude to President Donald J. Trump and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud for their exceptional leadership and support in making this initiative possible. The launch of the New Era Fund reflects a shared vision of investing in industrial capability and innovation to build a stronger and more resilient future together."

Palantir Co-Founder and CEO Alex Karp: “This historic visit builds on decades of strategic cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Palantir is proud to play a role in forging the next generation of that alliance by enhancing U.S.-Saudi cooperation on AI and defense."

Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet: “At Lockheed Martin, we build the world’s best air defense systems, powerful radars, and most lethal fighter aircraft and we thank President Trump for including us in this groundbreaking defense partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We look forward to working with his administration to support a pathway to fifth generation air dominance capabilities while further strengthening the Kingdom’s defenses against air and missile threats.”

L3Harris Chair and CEO Christopher E. Kubasik: “L3Harris was proud to enter a defense-focused joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) in 2019 under the first Trump administration, and today’s agreement represents another significant step forward in our collaboration in the Kingdom. We look forward to expanding our partnership in communications; datalinks; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to protect the joint security interests of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.”

Northrop Grumman Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer Kathy Warden: “Further building on our longstanding partnerships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Northrop Grumman is committed to delivering proven defense capabilities to meet the Kingdom’s most urgent and complex needs. By expanding our collaboration, Northrop Grumman and the Kingdom will strengthen our ability to deter aggression, create and sustain high-tech jobs in the U.S. and support Saudi Arabia’s growing sovereign defense industry.”


Matt Viser

The Washington Post

White House Bureau Chief

Cell: XXX-XXX-XXXX (tel:XXX-XXX-XXXX)

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