📰 Trump Reaffirms Support for Saudi Crown Prince Amid Khashoggi Murder Controversy

 Washington, D.C. — November 18, 2025 During a high-profile meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump publicly defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The visit marked the crown prince’s first trip to the United States since the incident, which had strained diplomatic relations between Washington and Riyadh.

🔍 Trump’s Statement Contradicts US Intelligence Findings

In a press briefing held in the Oval Office, Trump stated that the crown prince “knew nothing” about the murder, despite a 2021 US intelligence report concluding that bin Salman had approved the operation. Trump dismissed the assessment, saying: “Things happen… but he knew nothing about it.” He also urged reporters not to “embarrass our guests.”

🗣️ Bin Salman Calls Khashoggi’s Death a “Painful Mistake”

The Saudi leader described the killing as a “huge mistake” and emphasized that his government had taken appropriate steps to investigate the matter. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.

💬 Khashoggi’s Widow Demands Accountability

Hanan Khashoggi, the widow of the slain journalist, responded critically to Trump’s remarks. She highlighted that bin Salman had previously acknowledged responsibility in a 2019 interview. Living in Washington, D.C. under political asylum, she called for a formal apology and compensation via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

🤝 Strategic Deals and Diplomatic Engagements

The meeting also included discussions on:

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

🎤 Notable Guests and Political Signals

The crown prince’s visit featured 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 concerns, 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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