Trump Says Saudi Arabia and Israel Would Have Been Wiped Off the Map Without His Presidency
U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Saudi Arabia and Israel might no longer exist if he had not been president, asserting that his leadership has helped protect both countries.
In an interview with TIME magazine, Trump was asked about his relationship with Saudi Arabia following reports that Riyadh was dissatisfied with Washington’s response to Houthi attacks against the kingdom.
Responding to the question, Trump said:
“I’ve done a lot for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I protect Saudi Arabia. If I weren’t president, Saudi Arabia wouldn’t exist right now. Israel wouldn’t exist. They would both be wiped off the face of the Earth.”
Trump’s remarks highlight his emphasis on the U.S. role in protecting its Middle Eastern partners amid ongoing regional tensions and security threats.
The comments come as questions continue over Washington’s security commitments to Saudi Arabia and its response to attacks targeting the kingdom.