DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – On Wednesday, Donald Trump Jr. made headlines by mocking participants of the “No Kings” protests that took place across the United States, while simultaneously praising his father’s business-oriented approach to the Middle East during a visit to Saudi Arabia. His remarks were delivered before an audience of business leaders and Saudi officials at the Future Investment Initiative, an event designed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
During the event, Trump Jr. extolled the positive outcomes of his father's policies during his first term, even in the context of controversies such as the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi officials. He noted that Prince Mohammed is scheduled to visit Washington next month, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
In his address, Trump Jr. shared the stage with Omeed Malik of 1789 Capital, where he criticized the Democratic Party's policies and the protesters who have targeted his father publicly. Trump Jr. emphasized his continued involvement with the Trump Organization, which has been expanding its business interests in the Middle East even as his father serves a second term in office.
Specifically addressing the “No Kings” protests, which saw tens of thousands participate across various cities, Trump Jr. claimed that the demonstrations were “not an organic movement, it’s entirely manufactured and paid for by the usual puppets around the world and their groups.” He went on to suggest that if his father were a king, he wouldn't have permitted such protests to occur.
He characterized the demonstrators as “the same crazy liberals from the ‘60s and ‘70s,” asserting that they are simply older and more out of shape. This commentary was particularly notable given that he made these remarks while visiting a nation that is an absolute monarchy, where dissent is strictly prohibited.
The “No Kings” demonstrations have emerged as the third significant mobilization against his father since taking office and occurred amid a government shutdown that has raised concerns about the balance of power in the U.S. Protest organizers have warned that the political climate risks sliding toward authoritarianism.
Moreover, Trump Jr. acknowledged that this was his first visit to Saudi Arabia and expressed admiration for the changes he observed within the kingdom. He articulated that his father's visit had shifted the narrative from an “apology tour” to one focused on collaboration, economic growth, and stability in the region. “When my father came here, it wasn’t an apology tour; it was, ‘How do we work together? How do we grow our respective economies? How do we create peace and stability in the region?’” Trump Jr. remarked.
He further elaborated that there could be an “America-First” component to their dealings, but also a “Saudi-First” element that would allow mutual benefits for both nations.
