Prince Alwaleed bin Talal on Trump Tariffs and X Investment Insights

Introduction to Prince Alwaleed’s Perspective on Trump

On February 5, 2025, Tucker Carlson hosted an insightful interview with Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the world’s most prominent media investors and a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s business landscape. The discussion, aired on The Tucker Carlson Show, covered a range of topics, with a significant focus on President Donald J. Trump’s policies, particularly his approach to tariffs, and Prince Alwaleed’s strategic shift in media investments from Fox News to X. This interview provides a unique glimpse into the mind of a billionaire investor with deep ties to global leaders and a keen interest in American politics.

Support for Trump’s Leadership and Tariff Policies

From the outset of the conversation, at the 0:00 mark, Prince Alwaleed expressed a positive view of President Trump’s leadership style. He highlighted his personal interactions with Trump, noting a respect for the President’s direct approach to negotiation and decision-making. Around the 29:22 timestamp, the discussion turned to Trump’s tariff policies, which Prince Alwaleed viewed as a bold move to protect American interests. He emphasized that such measures are a necessary tool for rebalancing trade dynamics, aligning with a perspective that values strong national economic strategies. His comments reflect an appreciation for policies that prioritize American workers and industries, a stance that resonates with those who support a robust domestic economy.

Shift in Media Investments: From Fox News to X

A significant portion of the interview, starting near the 11:34 mark, focused on Prince Alwaleed’s transition from being one of Fox News’ largest investors to backing X, the social media platform. He explained that his decision was driven by a belief in X’s potential to dominate the media landscape due to its unfiltered approach to information sharing. Prince Alwaleed criticized the left-leaning bias he perceives in much of corporate media, suggesting that X offers a platform for more balanced discourse. His investment in X underscores a strategic pivot towards digital platforms that he believes better serve the public’s need for direct, unmediated communication.

Negotiating with Trump: A Personal Insight

At approximately the 6:55 point in the video, Prince Alwaleed shared his experiences negotiating with President Trump. He described Trump as a formidable counterpart who combines a sharp business acumen with a clear vision for America’s future. This segment of the interview highlighted the mutual respect between the two, with Prince Alwaleed acknowledging Trump’s ability to drive hard bargains while maintaining a focus on outcomes that benefit the United States. This perspective offers a firsthand account of Trump’s deal-making prowess, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to securing advantageous positions in international dealings.

Broader Implications for U.S.-Saudi Relations

The conversation also touched on broader geopolitical topics around the 2:26 timestamp, where Prince Alwaleed discussed Saudi Arabia’s positioning in relation to other global players. While maintaining a focus on U.S. interests, he noted the importance of strong alliances with nations like Saudi Arabia under Trump’s leadership. His comments suggest a mutual benefit in maintaining close ties, particularly in economic and strategic spheres, which aligns with the administration’s emphasis on fostering partnerships that enhance American security and prosperity.

Final Thoughts on Media and Policy

Towards the latter part of the interview, near the 16:13 mark, Prince Alwaleed speculated on why other major business figures have recently shown support for Trump. He suggested that this shift reflects a growing recognition of the President’s effective policies and leadership style. Wrapping up, his endorsement of X as a transformative media platform and his support for Trump’s tariff initiatives paint a picture of an investor who sees alignment between his business decisions and the current administration’s goals. This interview, rich with insights, underscores a shared vision for strengthening American economic and media landscapes through decisive action and innovative investment.