By The White House
Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has publicly defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, stating that the crown prince “knew nothing” about the assassination, despite previous US intelligence findings suggesting otherwise.
Welcoming the Saudi leader to the White House on Tuesday for his first official visit to the US since Khashoggi’s murder, Trump dismissed concerns raised by reporters about the killing.
“You’re mentioning someone that was extremely controversial,” Trump responded when asked about the journalist’s death. “Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen. But he [the Crown Prince] knew nothing about it. You don’t have to embarrass our guests.”
The comments contradict a declassified US intelligence report released in 2021 under then-President Joe Biden, which concluded that bin Salman had authorised the operation that resulted in Khashoggi’s death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Crown Prince Calls Killing “Painful” But Maintains Denial
During the Oval Office meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated his denial of direct involvement, saying Saudi Arabia “did all the right things” to investigate what he termed “a huge mistake” and a “painful” incident.
“The kingdom took the proper steps,” he said, offering no further apology.
Widow Criticises Trump’s Remarks
Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan, expressed disappointment, arguing that the president’s position contradicted the crown prince’s own previous acknowledgment of responsibility.
“The crown prince himself, in a 2019 60 Minutes interview, took accountability and held responsibility for this horrible crime,” she told BBC Newsnight. She also called on bin Salman to meet her, apologise and provide compensation.
Hanan, who lives in the Washington, D.C. area under political asylum, reposted her remarks on X (formerly Twitter), further urging dialogue and justice.
Strategic Deals Dominate Agenda
Trump’s meeting with the crown prince was expected to focus on major developments in bilateral cooperation, including:
- Expanded Saudi investment in the US – rising from $600bn earlier this year to $1 trillion, according to bin Salman
- Agreements on civilian nuclear energy
- Artificial intelligence partnerships
- Defence cooperation and a potential F-35 fighter jet sale to Riyadh
Trump said export licensing details were still pending but suggested a favourable outcome for Saudi Arabia. The proposal has caused unease among Israeli officials over concerns it could undermine Israel’s longstanding military edge in the region. Trump assured Israeli interests would be considered, saying, “This [Saudi Arabia] is a great ally, and Israel is a great ally.”
Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating advanced F-35 aircraft.
High-Profile Gala and Diplomatic Contrast
The crown prince’s visit continues with a gala dinner on Tuesday evening and an investment summit scheduled for Wednesday. Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays professionally in Saudi Arabia, was present at the dinner.
President Biden did not host the crown prince during his visit. Biden previously vowed to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” state over its human rights record following Khashoggi’s murder. Still, he visited Riyadh in 2022 to pursue diplomatic and energy-related priorities.
During Trump’s first term, the White House had declined to release the intelligence assessment on the killing.
About the Author
