U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had no knowledge of the killing of U.S. resident and Saudi citizen Jamal Khashoggi. Trump welcomed the Saudi prince, also known as MBS, to the White House for discussions aimed at boosting the sale of F-35 fighter jets and fostering various business agreements with Saudi Arabia.
Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi royal family, was murdered in Turkey in 2018 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkish officials labeled it a deliberate assault, indicating that his attackers strangled him, dismembered his body, and disposed of it.
Despite U.S. intelligence implicating MBS in approving Khashoggi’s killing, the crown prince denied direct involvement but accepted accountability as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. Trump defended MBS during a press briefing when questioned about the murder, emphasizing that the prince was unaware of the incident.
MBS expressed remorse over the loss of life and affirmed the kingdom’s commitment to preventing similar occurrences in the future. The cordial reception of the crown prince in Washington signals a reconciliation in relations following the strained aftermath of Khashoggi’s assassination.
A human rights organization founded by Khashoggi, DAWN, staged a protest outside the Saudi embassy in Washington, displaying an LED billboard truck featuring an image of MBS with the message “Mr. Bone Saw is in town and wants you to forget about his crimes.”
Bin Salman, recognized for his efforts in brokering peace and modernizing Saudi Arabia, was invited to the G7 summit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney but did not attend. Canada had condemned the killing in 2018 and imposed sanctions on individuals linked to the incident.
The meeting between Trump and MBS highlighted the strengthening ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, with discussions focusing on enhancing security cooperation, potential business ventures, and the acquisition of advanced F-35 fighter jets by Saudi Arabia. The potential sale of these jets would mark a significant shift in regional policy, as Israel has been the sole Middle Eastern nation with access to the F-35.
MBS pledged to increase Saudi investments in the U.S. and emphasized the importance of fostering defense partnerships and economic collaborations between the two countries. Trump also hinted at the possibility of Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel, a move that could further stabilize the region.
Bin Salman’s ascent to power began in 2015 when his father, King Salman, appointed him to key roles, including defense, amid regional conflicts. Known for his ambitious reforms, MBS has transformed Saudi Arabia by relaxing social restrictions, empowering women, and positioning the kingdom as a hub for international sports and entertainment events.
