Trump defends MBS, ignores intelligence, and resets the Saudi partnership

United States President Donald Trump has delivered a forceful defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, insisting that the kingdom’s de facto ruler knew nothing about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. His position contradicts assessments by American intelligence agencies that concluded the crown prince approved the operation.

The controversy resurfaced in the Oval Office during Mohammed bin Salman’s first White House visit in more than seven years. The Saudi leader is seeking to rehabilitate his global image after widespread outrage over Khashoggi’s murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and outspoken critic of the Saudi leadership, was killed and dismembered by Saudi agents. United States intelligence agencies assessed that the operation was approved by the crown prince. Mohammed bin Salman denies ordering the killing but accepts responsibility as the country’s senior decision-maker.

Sitting beside Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump told reporters that “things happened” but insisted the crown prince had no knowledge of the plot. He criticised the reporter who raised the issue, accusing them of trying to embarrass the Saudi guest.

Mohammed bin Salman called the killing painful and a huge mistake. He said his government had conducted a full investigation and taken measures to ensure it would not happen again.

President Trump praised the crown prince for what he described as an incredible human rights record, without offering specific examples. His remarks drew criticism from Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, who wrote on X that nothing could justify her husband’s murder and urged the crown prince to meet her.

Human rights groups continue to condemn Mohammed bin Salman over the killing and for a broader crackdown on dissent. At the same time, he has pushed through significant social reforms inside the kingdom, including loosening restrictions on women and expanding cultural freedoms.

Lavish White House welcome signals renewed partnership

Mohammed bin Salman received a highly ceremonial welcome on the South Lawn of the White House. A military honour guard, a cannon salute and a flyover by American fighter jets greeted his arrival. The display reflected Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties with the world’s largest oil exporter.

The visit marks a new chapter in United States–Saudi relations, which were strained in the years following Khashoggi’s murder. Although President Joe Biden met Mohammed bin Salman during a trip to Jeddah, he never hosted him in Washington. President Trump has made revitalising the relationship a key priority of his second term.

During their meeting, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia planned to increase its investment in the United States to one trillion dollars. The previous pledge stood at six hundred billion dollars. No timetable was provided, and analysts note that the kingdom faces major financial pressures as it funds ambitious domestic projects under its Vision 2030 programme.

Mohammed bin Salman is expected to promote Vision 2030 at a major investment forum at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with business leaders from around the world.

Talks focus on Israel, defence cooperation and a major F-35 deal

President Trump said he received a positive response from the crown prince on the prospect of normalising relations with Israel. Riyadh has maintained that any agreement requires Israel to offer a path toward Palestinian statehood, a condition Israeli leaders have rejected.

President Trump also said the two countries had reached a defence agreement, although he did not disclose details. He confirmed that Saudi Arabia intends to purchase United States-made F-35 fighter jets. Riyadh has requested forty-eight aircraft. If approved, it would be the first sale of the advanced stealth jet to Saudi Arabia and would reshape the military balance in the region. Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern state operating the F-35.

Analysts expect the new defence arrangement to take the form of an executive order similar to the one recently granted to Qatar. It would fall short of the formal treaty that Saudi officials originally pursued.

Trump dismisses conflict of interest concerns

President Trump rejected claims that his family’s business dealings in Saudi Arabia could pose a conflict of interest. He said he had removed himself entirely from the Trump Organization and that his family’s private business activities had no bearing on government policy.

The White House maintains that the president placed his assets in a trust upon taking office. He remains the beneficiary of that trust and could access its earnings after his presidency.

Mohammed bin Salman joined President Trump for a luncheon in the Cabinet Room and was scheduled to attend a black-tie dinner at the White House.

Nuclear cooperation discussions remain stalled

President Trump said he believed a future civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia was possible. The kingdom has long sought access to United States nuclear technology to match developments in the United Arab Emirates and regional rival Iran.

Talks have stalled because Washington insists that Riyadh must renounce uranium enrichment and the reprocessing of spent fuel, two activities that can support the development of nuclear weapons. Saudi officials have resisted these conditions, leaving the issue unresolved.