When Thrones Come at a Trillion-Dollar Price

*"When Thrones Come at a Trillion-Dollar Price"*

During Trump’s visit to Southwest Asia and his meetings with the Persian Gulf monarchies, a series of agreements were signed—one of the most eye-catching being Saudi Arabia’s pledge to invest a staggering one trillion dollars in the United States.

But let’s be clear: this was less an investment and more of a tribute—a modern-day ransom cloaked in diplomatic protocol.

Despite years of severe budget deficits brought on by declining energy prices, the Saudi leadership went ahead with the deal because it was a precondition for Trump’s visit—a political price tag placed squarely on the Kingdom's ambitions.

Now, to cover the gaping financial holes caused by this "deal," Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant Aramco—its primary revenue engine—is being forced to sell off assets.

Strip away the headlines and ceremonies, and Trump’s trip delivered just one clear outcome: solidifying Mohammed bin Salman’s position as future king. A crown, it seems, purchased at the people’s expense.