Trump Defends Crown Prince in Khashoggi Killing Case During US Visit

Trump defends crown prince Mohammed bin Salman during the Saudi leader’s visit to the White House. The former US president said the crown prince “knew nothing” about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. His remarks surprised many observers.

Remarks During the White House Visit

Trump welcomed the crown prince and praised the kingdom’s partnership with the United States. However, his comments contradicted a US intelligence assessment released in 2021. That report stated the crown prince approved the operation that led to Khashoggi’s death.
Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The case created widespread outrage and deep concern about press freedom. In addition, it placed heavy pressure on the US-Saudi relationship.
The crown prince once again denied any involvement. He said Saudi Arabia “did all the right things” to investigate the killing. He also called the incident “painful” and expressed regret over the tragedy.

Impact on US-Saudi Relations

This visit marked his first trip to the US since the assassination. Therefore, the meeting carried symbolic weight for both sides. Many analysts believe the visit signals a renewed effort to strengthen diplomatic ties.
However, the conflicting statements revived debate around the case. Rights groups argue that accountability remains incomplete. They also say the global community must continue to push for transparency.
The White House meeting highlighted Washington’s ongoing balancing act. The US aims to maintain strong ties with Saudi Arabia while addressing concerns about human rights.
As a result, the conversation around Khashoggi’s killing continues to shape geopolitical discussions. Observers expect further scrutiny as both nations navigate their strategic partnership.