Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Amid Controversy Over Khashoggi Murder
Published 18 November 2025
Highlights
- Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his White House visit, dismissing US intelligence findings on Jamal Khashoggi's murder.
- Trump announced a potential $1 trillion Saudi investment in the US, up from an earlier $600 billion pledge.
- Discussions included a controversial potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns in Israel and among US intelligence officials.
- Khashoggi's widow criticized Trump's defense of the crown prince, highlighting the prince's previous acknowledgment of responsibility.
- The visit was marked by lavish displays, including a military flyover and a black-tie dinner attended by notable figures like Elon Musk and Tim Cook.
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Rewritten Article
Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Amid Controversy Over Khashoggi Murder
In a high-profile meeting at the White House, former US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, defending him against allegations of involvement in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This visit marked the crown prince's first to the US since the assassination, which had strained US-Saudi relations.
Diplomatic Tensions and Defense
During the meeting, Trump dismissed a US intelligence report that concluded the crown prince had approved the operation to kill Khashoggi. "He knew nothing about it," Trump stated, contradicting the intelligence assessment. The president's remarks came as he rebuffed a reporter's questions, describing Khashoggi as "extremely controversial" and suggesting that "things happen."
The crown prince, while denying direct involvement, acknowledged the murder as a "huge mistake" and emphasized Saudi Arabia's efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
Economic and Military Deals
The meeting also focused on strengthening economic ties, with Saudi Arabia pledging to increase its investment in the US to $1 trillion. This announcement was accompanied by discussions on a potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that has raised alarms in Israel and among US intelligence officials due to concerns over regional security and technology transfer risks.
Criticism and Reactions
Khashoggi's widow, Hanan, criticized Trump's defense of the crown prince, pointing out the prince's previous acknowledgment of responsibility for the murder. She called for a meeting with the crown prince and demanded an apology and compensation.
The visit, which included a black-tie dinner attended by prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook, was marked by a display of military might, with a flyover of F-15 and F-35 jets symbolizing the deepening ties between the two nations.
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Scenario Analysis
The meeting between Trump and Mohammed bin Salman signals a potential shift in US-Saudi relations, with economic and military cooperation taking precedence over human rights concerns. The proposed arms deal, particularly the sale of F-35 jets, could alter the balance of power in the Middle East, potentially impacting US relations with Israel and other regional allies.
As Saudi Arabia seeks to expand its influence through significant investments in the US, the implications for Middle East diplomacy are profound. The crown prince's visit may pave the way for further normalization of relations, but it also raises questions about the US's commitment to addressing human rights issues.
Experts suggest that while economic incentives may drive policy decisions, the long-term impact on regional stability and US foreign policy remains uncertain. The international community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what they mean for the future of US-Saudi relations.
In a high-profile meeting at the White House, former US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, defending him against allegations of involvement in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This visit marked the crown prince's first to the US since the assassination, which had strained US-Saudi relations.
Diplomatic Tensions and Defense
During the meeting, Trump dismissed a US intelligence report that concluded the crown prince had approved the operation to kill Khashoggi. "He knew nothing about it," Trump stated, contradicting the intelligence assessment. The president's remarks came as he rebuffed a reporter's questions, describing Khashoggi as "extremely controversial" and suggesting that "things happen."
The crown prince, while denying direct involvement, acknowledged the murder as a "huge mistake" and emphasized Saudi Arabia's efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
Economic and Military Deals
The meeting also focused on strengthening economic ties, with Saudi Arabia pledging to increase its investment in the US to $1 trillion. This announcement was accompanied by discussions on a potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that has raised alarms in Israel and among US intelligence officials due to concerns over regional security and technology transfer risks.
Criticism and Reactions
Khashoggi's widow, Hanan, criticized Trump's defense of the crown prince, pointing out the prince's previous acknowledgment of responsibility for the murder. She called for a meeting with the crown prince and demanded an apology and compensation.
The visit, which included a black-tie dinner attended by prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook, was marked by a display of military might, with a flyover of F-15 and F-35 jets symbolizing the deepening ties between the two nations.
What this might mean
The meeting between Trump and Mohammed bin Salman signals a potential shift in US-Saudi relations, with economic and military cooperation taking precedence over human rights concerns. The proposed arms deal, particularly the sale of F-35 jets, could alter the balance of power in the Middle East, potentially impacting US relations with Israel and other regional allies.
As Saudi Arabia seeks to expand its influence through significant investments in the US, the implications for Middle East diplomacy are profound. The crown prince's visit may pave the way for further normalization of relations, but it also raises questions about the US's commitment to addressing human rights issues.
Experts suggest that while economic incentives may drive policy decisions, the long-term impact on regional stability and US foreign policy remains uncertain. The international community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what they mean for the future of US-Saudi relations.
