Trump Tells Saudi Prince to 'Be Nice' at Miami Conference

Former president's comments spark backlash over cozy relationship with Saudi leadership.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:21am

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In a bizarre interaction at a Saudi investment conference in Miami, former President Donald Trump was caught on video telling Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) that he needs to 'be nice' to him. Trump's comments come after his son-in-law Jared Kushner recently traveled to Saudi Arabia to reportedly beg for $5 billion in funding.

Why it matters

Trump's relationship with the Saudi regime, particularly MBS, has long been a source of controversy due to the kingdom's poor human rights record and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This latest incident raises further questions about the former president's willingness to overlook Saudi abuses in pursuit of his own business and political interests.

The details

In the short video clip, Trump is seen speaking directly to MBS, telling him 'You have to be nice. You have to be nice.' The former president then goes on to say that MBS 'didn't think [Trump] was going to be kissing his ass' - an apparent reference to the cozy relationship between the two leaders.

  • The incident took place at a Saudi investment conference held in Miami on March 28, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has maintained a close relationship with the Saudi regime despite its human rights abuses.

Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, who has been accused of ordering the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Jared Kushner

Trump's son-in-law, who recently traveled to Saudi Arabia to reportedly beg for $5 billion in funding.

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What they’re saying

“You have to be nice. You have to be nice.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

“He didn't think I was going to be kissing his ass.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

The takeaway

Trump's cozy relationship with the Saudi regime, particularly MBS, has long been a source of controversy. This latest incident further highlights the former president's willingness to overlook human rights abuses in pursuit of his own business and political interests.