American media reporting on the visit was surprisingly
limited, and when it did appear, it was often filtered through familiar lenses.
One reason lies in the highly polarized nature of US media, where influential
lobbies and advocacy groups help shape editorial priorities.
Coverage of Middle Eastern leaders—especially from the
Muslim world—tends to be influenced by domestic political calculations and
long-standing geopolitical alliances. The result is not necessarily overt
hostility but selective emphasis. In the case of the Crown Prince, this has
meant that past allegations continue to overshadow the strategic dynamics of
the visit.
A second dimension is the recurring focus on old
controversies. Even as diplomatic relations between Washington and Riyadh have
evolved substantially, parts of the US press remain firmly tied to earlier
narratives.
Over the past several years, both countries have
recalibrated their relationship, recognizing shared interests in energy
stability, defence cooperation, and regional security. The Biden
administration’s strategic engagement with Riyadh—especially in the face of
global competition and shifting economic centers—underscores this
recalibration. Yet certain media outlets still prioritize revisiting past
accusations rather than analyzing the present-day stakes.
A third narrative thread centers on the Abraham Accords.
Much of the American media continues to portray Saudi Arabia as the “missing
link” in the normalization framework, framing Riyadh as hesitant or resistant.
However, such portrayals often overlook the Kingdom’s stated position -
normalization cannot move meaningfully forward without addressing Palestinian
rights and a credible path to peace. This is not a rejectionist stance but one
rooted in longstanding regional consensus. Oversimplifying it into reluctance
ignores the political and moral considerations shaping Saudi policy.
What the muted media response fails to capture is the
broader significance of the visit. The U.S. push for extensive Saudi
investment—at a time of domestic economic uncertainty—reflects both economic
urgency and geopolitical necessity. Saudi Arabia’s global profile is expanding,
backed by deep financial reserves, ambitious economic reforms, and growing ties
with China, South Asia, and emerging markets. For the U.S., maintaining strong
ties with the world’s largest energy exporter remains strategically vital. For
Saudi Arabia, diversifying partnerships does not mean distancing itself from
Washington; rather, it reflects a more assertive, multi-vector foreign policy.
Ultimately, the contrasting narratives surrounding the Crown
Prince’s visit say more about American media dynamics than about the visit
itself. The gap between U.S. foreign-policy priorities and media portrayals
highlights a persistent misalignment: domestic political framing often eclipses
strategic realities. In this instance, the real story lies not in how the visit
was covered—but in how much was left uncovered.
