Trump Defends Saudi Leader Accused Of Killing Journalist — Going Against CIA Intel
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received an extraordinarily warm welcome at the White House — complete with a flyover of stealth jets, officers on horseback, and a tour of the Rose Garden from President Trump.
It’s the crown prince’s first visit to Washington since the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S.-based critic of the Saudi government. U.S. intelligence determined during the first Trump administration that MBS approved the killing — something he denies.
Reporters pressed both leaders during a tense Oval Office photo-op, raising questions about Khashoggi’s murder, Saudi involvement in 9/11, and financial conflicts of interest between the Trump family and Saudi Arabia.
“A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about, whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen,” Trump said, effectively implying Khashoggi had it coming. “(The Crown Prince) knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that.”
Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, the journalist’s widow, wrote on X:
TRUMP FAMILY FINANCES
Asked about ethical issues related to the Trump corporation having multiple business deals in Saudi Arabia, the president said he has “nothing to do with the family business.”
Since his election, Dar Global — a Trump business partner with close ties to the Saudi government — has announced at least four Trump-branded multi-billion dollar developments in Saudi Arabia, with negotiations underway for another major project overseen by MBS himself.
The private equity fund started by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund that is controlled by MBS.
USA <> SAUDI DEALS
On the economic front: MBS told Trump that Saudi Arabia plans to boost its U.S. investments from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion — though it’s unclear what the timeline is. And, previous Saudi investment pledges have fallen far short of the numbers announced.
On defense: Trump confirmed he’s willing to sell F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia — a controversial move that could shift the military balance in the Middle East. Congress would still need to sign off.
On Israel: Reporters also asked MBS about joining the Abraham Accords — the U.S.-brokered agreements normalizing relations with Israel.
He said Saudi Arabia wants to join, but only if there is a “clear path to a two-state solution,” that ensures an independent Palestinian state.