Donald Trump downplayed the Saudi regime’s 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, describing the journalist as “extremely controversial” and “not very popular,” and dismissing the killing by remarking that “things happen.” The comments came on Tuesday at the White House as Trump welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the first time since Khashoggi was killed and dismembered by Saudi operatives in Istanbul.
Although US intelligence agencies later formally concluded that the crown prince ordered the killing, Trump maintained on Tuesday that the prince “knew nothing about it.” He also criticized the who raised the question about Khashoggi, suggesting the network should lose its broadcasting license, while again calling Khashoggi “extremely controversial.”
Trump Shrugs Off Khashoggi Murder as US and Saudi Ties Deepen
In response, Prince Mohammed said the killing was “painful” and “a huge mistake,” adding that Saudi Arabia was working to ensure such an event “doesn’t happen again.”
At a black-tie White House dinner later that evening, Trump announced that he would designate Saudi Arabia as a major non-Nato ally a symbolic status that grants certain defence and trade cooperation benefits. The guest list included Elon Musk, Cristiano Ronaldo, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Trump also highlighted large-scale Saudi investment in the US, with figures rising from an initial $600bn to a potential $1tn, according to the crown prince.
Trump confirmed plans to sell “top-of-the-line” F-35 stealth fighter jets to Riyadh, despite objections from Israel and concerns within the US intelligence community over Saudi Arabia’s close ties with China and the risk of sensitive technology exposure. Trump insisted Saudi Arabia deserved aircraft of the same specification supplied to Israel, describing both states as key US allies.
Alongside weapons deals, US officials signalled expectations of major Saudi investment in the American AI sector and expanded cooperation on establishing a civilian nuclear power program in the kingdom.
Trump Shrugs Off Khashoggi Murder as US and Saudi Ties Deepen
The Trump administration is also pursuing an agreement with Saudi Arabia that the Biden administration had attempted but failed to secure: enhanced nuclear and security cooperation in exchange for Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords by normalizing relations with Israel. However, prospects for such an accord have been complicated by the aftermath of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack and two years of Israeli bombardment in Gaza, where more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Former US Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller noted that “the price for Saudi sign-up to normalization with Israel has gone way up.” Prince Mohammed said Riyadh supports joining the Abraham Accords but wants assurance of a “clear path to a two-state solution.” Trump said the two had “a very good talk” and would continue discussions. (Source)
The visit has also drawn scrutiny over the Trump family’s business dealings in the Gulf. Trump denied any conflict of interest, saying he had stepped away from the family business and devoted all his energy to the presidency. Critics, however, argue that he should have fully divested or placed his assets in a blind trust. During Trump’s second term, the Trump Organization has engaged in extensive negotiations for multibillion-dollar investments in Saudi Arabia.
