Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s 37-year-old ruler, has reportedly mocked President Biden in private while questioning his mental state, a move that could fracture U.S.-Saudi relations at a time when the partnership is being tested following a move by OPEC+ to cut oil production and harsh criticism of the regime by American lawmakers.
The Wall Street Journal reported that several people inside the Saudi government said the prince preferred former President Trump and has seemed unimpressed with Biden since his days as vice president while also making fun of his gaffes.
Prince Faisal denied that Prince Mohammed had privately made fun of Biden or told aides he favored his predecessor. “These allegations made by anonymous sources are entirely false,” Faisal said. “The kingdom’s leaders have always held the utmost respect for U.S. presidents, based on the kingdom’s belief in the importance of having a relationship based on mutual respect.”
