In a recent visit to the White House, US President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the controversial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This visit marks the crown prince’s first trip to the US since Khashoggi’s murder in 2018. Trump stated that bin Salman “knew nothing” about the assassination, a claim that contradicts a 2021 US intelligence assessment.
Overview of Khashoggi’s Murder and Controversy
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul sent shockwaves through the international community. A US intelligence report revealed that the crown prince approved a plan to capture or kill Khashoggi. This report was released under President Joe Biden’s administration, following a period where Trump’s officials chose not to disclose it.
- Date of Murder: October 2, 2018
- Location: Saudi consulate, Istanbul
- Intelligence Findings (2021): Crown Prince approved operation
Crown Prince’s Response
During the meeting, bin Salman expressed that Saudi Arabia took all the appropriate steps to investigate Khashoggi’s death, labeling it “painful” and a “huge mistake.” He reiterated that the country acted properly in handling the aftermath of this tragedy. Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, has publicly called for an apology from the crown prince, stating that there is no justification for her husband’s murder.
US-Saudi Relations and Future Plans
The meeting between Trump and Mohammed bin Salman was centered around strengthening US-Saudi relations. They discussed significant topics such as:
- Civilian nuclear power agreements
- Artificial intelligence investments
- Saudi investments in the US, increasing from $600 billion to $1 trillion
- Potential sale of F-35 fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia
Trump noted the rising investment and praised bin Salman, emphasizing that the US is the “hottest country on the planet.” The crown prince similarly acknowledged Trump’s role in creating long-term opportunities for both nations. However, the potential sale of advanced military aircraft has raised concerns among Israeli officials about maintaining military parity in the region.
Continuing Developments
The crown prince’s visit included a gala dinner and an investment summit. Notably, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays in the Saudi league, was also present at the White House.
While Trump embraces the Saudi partnership, President Biden previously declared an intention to hold the kingdom accountable for its human rights violations. Biden’s stance has been questioned, especially following his visit to Saudi Arabia in 2022 for discussions on various agreements.
