Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, insisting the de facto ruler “knew nothing” about the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The comments came as Trump welcomed the crown prince to the White House, marking his first visit to the United States since the assassination, which strained US-Saudi relations.
Trump’s statement appeared to contradict a 2021 US intelligence assessment, which concluded that bin Salman had approved a plan to “capture or kill” Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. While dozens of Saudi officials faced sanctions following the murder, the crown prince was not directly penalized. During the Oval Office meeting, Trump described Khashoggi as “extremely controversial” and suggested reporters avoid embarrassing his guest.
Bin Salman reiterated that Saudi Arabia had undertaken proper steps to investigate the murder, calling it “painful” and a “huge mistake.” The crown prince, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, highlighted Saudi investments in the US, which he said had increased from $600 billion to $1 trillion.
Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan, criticized Trump’s defense of the crown prince. In an interview with BBC Newsnight and a post on X, she said the president’s remarks conflicted with bin Salman’s previous acknowledgment of responsibility. She called for an apology and compensation for her husband’s death.
The visit also focused on major bilateral deals, including civilian nuclear power, artificial intelligence, and potential advanced F-35 fighter aircraft sales to Saudi Arabia. Trump suggested that while export licenses are still being processed, a deal could proceed through Lockheed Martin. Some Israeli officials expressed concern that the sale could affect the country’s “qualitative military edge,” though both Trump and bin Salman emphasized that Saudi aircraft would not compromise Israeli security.
The crown prince described the US as the “hottest country on the planet” and praised Trump for creating “long-term opportunity.” The visit continues with a gala dinner attended by figures including Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, followed by an investment summit.
Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with President Joe Biden, who has criticized Saudi Arabia over human rights abuses and pledged to hold the kingdom accountable for Khashoggi’s murder, though he has also engaged with the kingdom on broader geopolitical and energy issues.
