Trump defends Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, says MBS ‘knew nothing’ about Khashoggi murder; MBS calls murder ‘painful’
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Nov 18) played down Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s role in the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, contradicting the CIA’s conclusion that the crown prince likely ordered the operation.
“A lot of people didn’t like the gentleman you’re talking about,” Trump said, referring to Khashoggi. “Whether you like him or don’t like him, things happen, but (bin Salman) didn’t know anything about it and we can leave it at that.”
Praise for human rights record
Despite long-standing criticism of Saudi Arabia’s rights, Trump hailed the crown prince as a transformative leader.
“We have an extremely respected man in the Oval Office today, a friend of mine for a long time, a very good friend of mine,” Trump said. “I’m very proud of the work he’s done. What he’s done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else.”
MBS calls Khashoggi killing ‘huge mistake’
Prince Mohammed reiterated his long-standing denial of involvement, calling the killing “painful for us in Saudi Arabia”.
He said the kingdom had taken “all the right steps” in investigating the journalist’s death, which he described as a “huge mistake”.
Welcome to the red carpet at the White House
Trump held an elaborate welcoming ceremony at the White House – the prince’s first visit since the assassination in 2018, which plunged US-Saudi relations into crisis.
Trump greeted him on the South Lawn with a smile and a handshake. A military band was playing, dozens of uniformed personnel lined the route, and an overpass for fighter jets rumbled overhead.
Tour of portraits in the Oval Office
Before the formal talks, Trump walked the crown prince through the West Wing, pointing to presidential portraits and chatting amicably. The reception was in stark contrast to the frosty diplomatic treatment MBS faced in Washington after the assassination.
Seven years after the murder
This is Prince Mohammed’s first visit to the White House since US intelligence agencies determined he likely directed the Istanbul operation that killed Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen and Virginia resident.
While the killing sent bilateral relations into a tailspin, Trump has since strengthened his embrace with the crown prince, whom he sees as key to shaping the future of the Middle East.
Prince Mohammed continues to deny authorizing the operation.
Comparison with Biden’s 2022 fist
The ceremony also invited comparisons to former President Joe Biden’s trip to Jeddah in 2022, where he greeted the crown prince with a fist bump amid tense ties. Trump, by contrast, offered full honors and warm personal camaraderie.
