Trump Gives Saudis Concessions In Tentative Nuclear Deal—As Family Business Is Increasingly Tied To Kingdom

July 22, 2026 - 19:29

President Donald Trump is set to sign a tentative nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, a deal that grants the kingdom significant concessions on uranium enrichment and reprocessing rights. The accord, first reported Tuesday, would allow Riyadh to pursue a domestic nuclear energy program under less restrictive conditions than those typically demanded by Washington, raising nonproliferation concerns among lawmakers and arms control experts.

The timing of the announcement has drawn scrutiny due to the Trump family's expanding business interests in the Gulf state. The Trump Organization has pursued multiple commercial ventures in Saudi Arabia, including hotel developments and licensing deals, while the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has maintained close ties with the Saudi crown prince and secured billions in investment for his private equity firm after leaving the White House. Critics argue the nuclear pact could enrich the president's family while weakening global safeguards against weapons-grade material production.

Under the proposed framework, Saudi Arabia would gain the ability to enrich uranium on its soil, a privilege the United States has historically denied to most nations to prevent the spread of sensitive technology. Proponents say the deal is necessary to counter Iranian influence and help the kingdom diversify its energy sources. However, opponents warn it could trigger a regional arms race, as Saudi leaders have repeatedly stated they would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran develops them. The agreement still requires congressional review, where it faces an uncertain path amid bipartisan skepticism.