With the Middle East on edge after this weekend’s shocking purge of Saudi royals, orchestrated by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, his ambitious 32 year-old son, Donald Trump offered a full-throated endorsement of the power grab, which saw dozens arrested as part of a sweeping “anti-corruption” initiative. “I have great confidence in King Salman and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, they know exactly what they are doing,” the [resident tweeted Tuesday, while on a 12-day tour of Asia. “Some of those they are harshly treating have been ‘milking’ their country for years!”

Trump, who has firmly posited himself as a champion of Saudi Arabia since becoming president—and thus an adversary of its rival, Iran—expressed his support just days after sending a mysterious tweet urging the oil-rich sovereign state to list the first offering of shares in Aramco, one of the world’s most prominent oil companies, on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ. His endorsement also comes days after he dispatched senior adviser Jared Kushner, America’s own ambitious princeling, to Riyadh, where he reportedly stayed up talking with Prince Mohammed late into the night at a ranch in the desert.

Saudi Arabia’s subsequent crackdown is thought to have been masterminded by the precocious Crown Prince, who ousted his predecessor in June, so as to become next in line to the throne. Wresting control of major economic, security, and military portfolios, Prince Mohammed is working to modernize his country’s image, pushing for women to be allowed to drive and attend sports stadiums. Apparently, he is also trying to eliminate opposition in the process. Monday night, the arrests were ongoing, with no indication as to when they might stop. American officials monitoring the situation said that as many as 500 people had been rounded up thus far. Some are expected to face undisclosed criminal charges, while others might be pressured to testify about their roles in alleged corruption schemes.

Among the targets were 11 senior princes, former and current ministers, and Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, the former head of Saudi's military branch, the National Guard. Historically dedicated to watching over oil facilities and protecting the royal family, the Guard has recently seen an influx of cash and American-made weapons and training, according to Foreign Policy’s Paul McLeary. Also arrested was Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. One of the wealthiest men in the world, he has previously clashed with Trump on Twitter, despite once purchasing a yacht from the future president. “@realDonaldTrump. You are a disgrace not only to the G.O.P. but to all America. Withdraw from the U.S. presidential race as you will never win,” he wrote in 2015. Eight hours later, Trump hit back: “Dopey Prince @Alwaleed_Talal wants to control our U.S. politicians with daddy’s money. Can’t do it when I get elected.”