📰 Trump Backs Saudi Crown Prince Amid Khashoggi Controversy During White House Visit

 Washington, D.C. — November 18, 2025 In a high-profile meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, stating the royal “knew nothing” about the incident. The remarks came during the crown prince’s first visit to the US since the assassination, which had strained diplomatic ties between the two nations.


Despite a 2021 US intelligence report concluding that bin Salman had authorized the operation that led to Khashoggi’s death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Trump dismissed the claim, telling reporters: “Things happen… but he knew nothing about it.” He also urged journalists not to “embarrass our guests,” referring to the crown prince.

Bin Salman, speaking alongside Trump, described the murder as “painful” and reiterated that Saudi Arabia had taken “all the right steps” to investigate the tragedy, which he called a “huge mistake.”

🔍 Khashoggi’s Widow Responds

Hanan Khashoggi, the widow of the slain journalist, criticized Trump’s defense, pointing out that bin Salman had previously acknowledged responsibility in a 2019 interview. She called for a formal apology and compensation, posting her demands on X (formerly Twitter). Hanan currently resides in Washington, D.C. under political asylum.

🤝 Strategic Deals and Diplomatic Signals

The meeting also spotlighted major bilateral initiatives, including:

Bin Salman praised the US as the “hottest country on the planet” for innovation and opportunity, echoing Trump’s enthusiasm for long-term strategic partnerships.

🎤 Notable Guests and Political Undercurrents

The crown prince’s visit included a gala dinner attended by Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing in the Saudi league. President Biden, who previously vowed to isolate Saudi Arabia over human rights issues, did not host the prince but had visited the kingdom in 2022 for diplomatic negotiations.

Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA

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