For Saudi Arabia’s leadership, Donald Trump’s unorthodox presidency (2017-21) was a unique opportunity to achieve long-standing regional goals. The close personal relationship between Trump’s son-in-law and trusted advisor Jared Kushner and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) enabled the Kingdom to work with Washington in an amiable and informal manner.

During the Trump administration, Riyadh boldly pursued many initiatives it most likely would not have attempted with a “traditional” president in the White House...