Washington — In a dramatic moment at the White House, President Donald Trump publicly dismissed questions about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, asserting that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman “knew nothing” about the murder — even though U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded otherwise.
The remarks came during a highly-publicized visit by the Crown Prince, his first to Washington since the killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Trump greeted him with full honours: a military fly-over, a ceremonial welcome, and a pledge to deepen U.S.-Saudi cooperation.
When asked by a journalist whether the Crown Prince bore responsibility, Trump responded, “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about… whether you like him or don’t like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it.” He then admonished the reporter, telling them they did not have to “embarrass our guest by asking a question like that.
Despite public statements by the CIA in 2021 that Mohammed bin Salman likely approved the operation, the Trump White House emphasised economic deals and strategic partnership. The Crown Prince announced plans to boost Saudi investment in the U.S. to “almost $1 trillion,” up from a prior estimate of $600 billion.
Human rights advocates were quick to criticise Trump’s stance. They argued the message sent is one of impunity — that even when U.S. intelligence links a foreign leader to an extrajudicial killing, such connections may be overlooked if strategic interests are deemed greater.
Meanwhile, the visit is not only symbolic. The two nations signed broad memoranda including arms sales — namely the possible sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets — and bodies of investment agreements tied to Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil.
In the Oval Office, Trump hailed the Crown Prince as “one of the most respected people in the world”. The Saudi leader described Khashoggi’s death as “painful” and a “huge mistake,” reiterating a denial of personal involvement.
What remains to be seen is how this rapprochement will impact U.S. alliances in the Middle East, especially with Israel, and whether human-rights considerations will factor into the strategic calculus. Analysts say the Trump administration appears to be prioritising economic and defence interests over accountability.
— Dalena Reporters