Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince as Khashoggi Debate Reignites

U.S. President Donald Trump reignited controversy over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by asserting that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had “no knowledge” of the operation, a claim that contradicts U.S. intelligence findings. The remarks came during bin Salman’s first White House visit in more than seven years, a highly publicized meeting aimed at strengthening U.S.-Saudi ties and rehabilitating the crown prince’s global image.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and outspoken critic of the Saudi leadership, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that bin Salman approved the capture or killing of Khashoggi, though he has repeatedly denied ordering the operation, acknowledging only that it occurred under his watch. Trump brushed aside the intelligence assessment, telling reporters that the crown prince “knew nothing about it.”

Bin Salman described the killing as “painful,” saying Saudi Arabia conducted a thorough investigation and implemented reforms to prevent future abuses. Trump praised him for doing an “incredible” job on human rights, a statement that drew criticism from advocacy groups and from Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, who condemned any justification of the killing.

Despite years of tension surrounding the incident, the meeting marked a renewed high point in U.S.-Saudi relations. Trump announced progress on defense cooperation, including approval for future F-35 fighter jet deliveries and a Saudi purchase of 300 American tanks. The two countries also signed a Strategic Defense Agreement and completed negotiations on a civil nuclear cooperation framework, although sensitive issues around uranium enrichment remain unresolved.

Bin Salman pledged to raise Saudi investment in the United States to $1 trillion, though he gave no timeline. The visit also included agreements on artificial intelligence and critical minerals, aligning with the crown prince’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy. Trump denied any conflicts of interest related to his family’s Saudi business dealings, insisting he has stepped away from company operations.