Brief
Trump claims Saudi Arabia and Israel would disappear without his presidency
The former president told TIME his relationship with Saudi Crown Prince remains very good and that both nations depend on U.S. protection under his leadership.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former U.S. President Donald Trump told TIME that Saudi Arabia and Israel would be "wiped off the face of the planet" if he were not in office, and said his relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is "very good." The comments came during an interview published on Thursday, October 3, 2026, after reports that Trump had turned down a request from the crown prince for direct U.S. military action against Iran‑backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
Trump asserted, "I’ve done a lot for Saudi Arabia. I protect Saudi Arabia. If I weren’t president, Saudi Arabia wouldn’t be here right now. Neither would Israel. They’d be wiped off the face of the planet." He repeated his broader claim that several countries would not exist without U.S. protection under his leadership, adding, "My relationship is very good. But remember, if I weren’t here, there wouldn’t be a Saudi Arabia. There wouldn’t be an Israel. There wouldn’t be various other countries, also."
The former president also emphasized his personal rapport with MBS, stating, "I like the crown prince," and describing their ties as "very good." The interview was framed by recent media coverage of Saudi Arabia’s preparation for a possible new offensive against Houthi rebels in Yemen, a move reportedly being considered to secure the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, a key Red Sea shipping lane.
Trump’s remarks follow earlier Felo News reporting that the United States has declined to launch air strikes against the Houthis, leaving Saudi Arabia to manage the threat on its own. The former president’s statements underscore his long‑standing narrative that U.S. security guarantees under his administration are essential to the survival of allied states in the Middle East.
Key facts
- Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia and Israel would be wiped out if he were not president. (news18.com)
- Trump described his relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as "very good." (news18.com)
- The interview was published by TIME on October 3, 2026. (news18.com)
- Trump said he had rejected a request from MBS for direct U.S. military action against Houthi forces. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Trump Brags Saudi Arabia, Israel Would Be 'Wiped Off The Planet' If He Weren't President”
