US President Donald Trump has claimed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 'knew nothing' about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi during his visit to the White House. This statement contrasts sharply with a 2021 U.S. intelligence assessment stating that the crown prince approved the operation responsible for Khashoggi's death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
The crown prince, who has denied any wrongdoing, asserted that Saudi Arabia took the right steps to investigate the murder, which he described as a 'huge mistake.'
Trump's defense of the crown prince came during an Oval Office meeting where he responded to a reporter's question about the incident, emphasizing the controversial nature of Khashoggi and stating, 'Things happen.'
Khashoggi's widow has since called for the crown prince to apologize for her husband's murder, accusing him of a 'huge mistake.' Meanwhile, Trump's talks with bin Salman also aimed at advancing deals on civilian nuclear power and increased Saudi investment in the U.S., which the crown prince indicated might rise to $1 trillion from a previously suggested $600 billion.
Trump's continued support for bin Salman showcases the complexities of U.S.-Saudi relations, particularly following Khashoggi's assassination, which drew international condemnation and strained ties under the Biden administration.
