As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives in Washington for a state visit, the son of Saad Almadi, a dual American-Saudi citizen barred from leaving Saudi Arabia, has accused President Donald Trump of failing to prioritize his father’s release.
Background on the Case
Saad Almadi, a retired project manager with U.S. citizenship, was arrested in 2021 after posting 14 tweets critical of the Saudi royal family. Initially charged with terrorism, his case was later downgraded to alleged “cyber crimes.” In 2023, Saudi courts imposed a sweeping exit ban until 2054, effectively preventing him from leaving the kingdom for the rest of his life.
Family’s Frustration
Almadi’s son said he feels a sense of “dismissal” from U.S. officials, arguing that despite repeated appeals, the administration has not made his father’s freedom a priority. He expressed concern that the case has been overshadowed by broader diplomatic and economic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
Diplomatic Context
The criticism comes as bin Salman’s visit underscores the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, spanning defense, energy, and regional security. Human rights advocates warn that such high-level engagements often sideline individual detainee cases, even when American citizens are involved.
Outlook
Almadi’s family hopes that renewed public attention during the Crown Prince’s visit will pressure Washington to elevate the case. For now, they say his continued detention highlights the tension between human rights advocacy and geopolitical priorities, leaving their father’s future uncertain.
Prince-Mohammed-bin-Salman and President Donald-Trump
