How Trump, Sudan, and Saudi diplomacy are shaping a new push toward ending a devastating conflict
Former President Donald Trump has pledged new U.S. involvement in efforts to end the Sudan war, saying the decision came at the personal request of his “very good friend,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Speaking at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, Trump said he now views the conflict “differently” after a lengthy Oval Office meeting with the crown prince.
Trump’s remarks highlight a dramatic shift. While the State Department has long worked with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE on brokering peace, Trump suggested he had not planned to engage directly. But the crown prince urged him to add Sudan to the list of peace deals he has sought to broker, prompting what Trump called an immediate start to new diplomatic efforts. “We’ve already started working on that,” he told the audience, drawing loud applause.
The pledge comes as Sudan continues to face a staggering humanitarian crisis. The two-and-a-half-year war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF has displaced millions, pushed regions into famine, and sparked allegations of genocide. The United Nations has described the situation as the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth, intensifying pressure on global powers to intervene.
Trump’s renewed engagement also underscores the influence of Saudi Arabia. During the crown prince’s high-profile visit, the two leaders celebrated what Trump called a “historic” defense agreement, discussed nearly $1 trillion in Saudi investment in the U.S., and showcased their close personal alliance. Trump again defended MBS publicly, even dismissing long-standing intelligence findings linking the crown prince to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
As diplomatic efforts accelerate, the intersection of Trump, Sudan, and Saudi strategy will draw global attention. The path to peace remains uncertain, but the latest pledge marks a significant political moment in a conflict that has pushed millions to the brink. Stay connected for ongoing updates — and share your thoughts to help bring greater visibility to efforts aimed at ending Sudan’s suffering.