US President Donald Trump has stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 'knew nothing' about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, welcoming the Crown Prince to the White House amid ongoing controversies concerning the murder's investigation. Trump's defense of the Crown Prince contradicts a US intelligence assessment from 2021 that implicated him in approving the operation leading to Khashoggi's death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.
During the Oval Office meeting, when questioned about Khashoggi's murder, Trump remarked, 'You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial...Things happen.' He refrained from criticizing the Crown Prince, insisting that the Crown Prince should not be embarrassed by inquiries related to the assassination, despite its repercussions on US-Saudi relations.
The Crown Prince, denying any involvement, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in investigating the incident and characterized it as a 'huge mistake.' His visit marks a significant moment, being his first trip to the US since the incident brought intense scrutiny to his leadership.
Khashoggi's widow responded to the Crown Prince's remarks by asking him to apologize for her husband's murder, stating there was 'no justification' for what had happened. She urged, 'The Crown Prince said he was sorry so he should meet me, apologize and compensate me for the murder of my husband.'
The meeting also covered potential collaborations in civilian nuclear power, artificial intelligence, and an increase in Saudi investment in the US, which the Crown Prince announced would rise to $1 trillion from the previously pledged $600 billion. Discussions regarding the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia were also on the agenda, highlighting ongoing US defense ties, though concerns over the implications for Israeli security remained.
Despite previous commitments to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions and labeling it a 'pariah,' Trump's administration showcased a willingness to engage Saudi Arabia strategically while navigating complex human rights issues. Trump's interaction with the Crown Prince resurfaced discussions around the long-lasting impact of Khashoggi's murder and the strained relations it had caused between the US and Saudi Arabia.
During the Oval Office meeting, when questioned about Khashoggi's murder, Trump remarked, 'You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial...Things happen.' He refrained from criticizing the Crown Prince, insisting that the Crown Prince should not be embarrassed by inquiries related to the assassination, despite its repercussions on US-Saudi relations.
The Crown Prince, denying any involvement, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in investigating the incident and characterized it as a 'huge mistake.' His visit marks a significant moment, being his first trip to the US since the incident brought intense scrutiny to his leadership.
Khashoggi's widow responded to the Crown Prince's remarks by asking him to apologize for her husband's murder, stating there was 'no justification' for what had happened. She urged, 'The Crown Prince said he was sorry so he should meet me, apologize and compensate me for the murder of my husband.'
The meeting also covered potential collaborations in civilian nuclear power, artificial intelligence, and an increase in Saudi investment in the US, which the Crown Prince announced would rise to $1 trillion from the previously pledged $600 billion. Discussions regarding the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia were also on the agenda, highlighting ongoing US defense ties, though concerns over the implications for Israeli security remained.
Despite previous commitments to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions and labeling it a 'pariah,' Trump's administration showcased a willingness to engage Saudi Arabia strategically while navigating complex human rights issues. Trump's interaction with the Crown Prince resurfaced discussions around the long-lasting impact of Khashoggi's murder and the strained relations it had caused between the US and Saudi Arabia.
