Geopolitical priorities are shifting from crude oil to critical minerals, while President Donald Trump claimed to have generated billions for the US through stock trading.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested military assistance from President Trump against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The request follows significant territorial gains by the Iran-aligned group in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial Red Sea oil passage. Trump declined direct military intervention but offered intelligence support. The US maintains ongoing dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government.

Critical Minerals Replace Oil

National security focus is moving toward critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs), including nickel, copper, lithium, and rare-earth oxides. These elements are vital for various technologies. Canada is reconsidering its free sharing of strategic resources amidst a trade war with the US. Some Chinese rare earth suppliers are hesitant to export to the US due to potential repercussions from Beijing.

Trump’s Stock Trading Claims

President Trump asserted on Truth Social that he has made hundreds of billions of dollars on stocks and other holdings for the US, not himself. He dismissed criticism from Democrats, stating his trading benefits the country.

Political Dynamics

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) believes Democrats can overcome Republican spending advantages by building a robust grassroots organization. She acknowledged that Republican-aligned financial interests may outspend Democrats. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) attributed the resurgence of American manufacturing to Republican policies, citing tax breaks, job creation, and investment opportunities.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) have signed the See Agreement for Expo 2030 Riyadh. The deal establishes the legal and administrative framework for official participants.

The signing occurred during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France. H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Foreign Minister, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, BIE Secretary General, and Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, attended the ceremony.

Framework Details

The agreement outlines conditions for countries and international organizations participating in the event. It covers travel, visa arrangements, tax measures, customs, and mobility support. These provisions aim to simplify administrative processes for participants during design, construction, and operational stages.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes stated the agreement strengthens the institutional framework between the BIE and Saudi Arabia. He noted it establishes conditions and privileges to support official participants as they prepare for the World Expo.

Event Scope

Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031. The six-month event operates under the theme "Foresight for Tomorrow." Organizers expect more than 200 official participants and 42 million visits.

Talal Al-Marri said the signing fulfills the commitment to welcome global participants. He emphasized providing clear guidance and systems to enable meaningful contributions to the gathering.

What the Numbers Show

The scale of the project is defined by its physical footprint and attendance targets. A site area of 6 million square meters must accommodate more than 200 official participants while managing a projected footfall of 42 million visits over six months. This density implies significant logistical coordination for crowd management and infrastructure utilization compared to standard exhibition metrics.