President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi during a White House meeting, asserting the prince’s ignorance of the 2018 assassination while emphasizing strengthened U.S.-Saudi ties through major investments and defense agreements. The visit marked a significant step in bilateral relations, with discussions spanning economic partnerships and geopolitical issues.
In the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his first U.S. visit since Khashoggi’s murder, immediately deflecting questions about the incident. When a reporter raised the CIA’s findings that the crown prince approved the operation, Trump dismissed the inquiry, stating that Khashoggi was “extremely controversial” and that “things happen,” but insisted Prince Mohammed “knew nothing about it.” He urged the reporter not to embarrass their guest, highlighting the diplomatic nature of the encounter.
Trump’s defense directly contradicted a 2021 U.S. intelligence report released under the Biden administration, which determined that the crown prince had approved a plan to “capture or kill” Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The journalist, a Washington Post columnist and U.S. resident, was killed and dismembered in 2018, an event that sparked global outrage and strained U.S.-Saudi relations. Despite the intelligence assessment, Trump maintained his support for the Saudi leader.
Prince Mohammed, for his part, acknowledged the killing as “painful” and a “huge mistake,” asserting that Saudi Arabia had conducted a thorough investigation and improved its systems to prevent such incidents. He emphasized that the kingdom “did all the right steps” in response, though he has consistently denied personal involvement. This stance aligns with his past comments, including a 2019 interview where he accepted accountability for the crime, a point later highlighted by Khashoggi’s widow.
Beyond the Khashoggi controversy, the meeting focused on enhancing economic cooperation. Prince Mohammed announced plans to increase Saudi investment in the United States to nearly $1 trillion, up from a previous $600 billion commitment, with a focus on technology sectors like artificial intelligence. Trump praised this as a boost to the American economy, underscoring the potential for job creation and innovation, though details on the investment structure remain unclear.
Defense deals were also a key topic, with Trump confirming discussions on selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This potential sale has raised concerns in Israel about maintaining its qualitative military edge in the region, as it is currently the only Middle Eastern nation operating the advanced aircraft. Trump assured that the jets would be top-of-the-line and expressed confidence that Israel would support the deal, citing both countries as vital allies.
The leaders also addressed broader regional dynamics, including the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which normalize relations with Israel. Prince Mohammed indicated openness but stressed the need for progress on a two-state solution for Palestinians, with Trump agreeing to further discussions. This dialogue reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the Middle East, though concrete steps toward Saudi-Israeli normalization were not finalized.
Reaction to Trump’s defense was swift, with Hanan Khashoggi, the journalist’s widow, expressing disappointment and calling for accountability. She noted the inconsistency between Trump’s assertions and the crown prince’s past acceptance of responsibility, urging an apology and compensation. The meeting concluded with a gala dinner at the White House, attended by figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, symbolizing the renewed warmth in U.S.-Saudi relations and setting the stage for future talks on civil nuclear cooperation and investment summits.
