Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Amid Khashoggi Murder Allegations

During a White House meeting on November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman against allegations of involvement in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about, whether you like him or didn't like him," Trump stated, referring to Khashoggi. "Things happen, but [bin Salman] knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that."

This stance contradicts U.S. intelligence assessments that concluded the crown prince approved the operation leading to Khashoggi's death.

The meeting also focused on strengthening U.S.-Saudi relations, with discussions on increasing Saudi investments in the U.S. from $600 billion to a targeted $1 trillion. Additionally, plans for the U.S. to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia were reiterated.

Crown Prince Mohammed addressed the Khashoggi incident, describing it as a "huge mistake" and emphasizing efforts to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The visit included a ceremonial welcome, a military honor guard, and a black-tie dinner, highlighting the renewed strength of U.S.-Saudi relations as the controversy over Khashoggi’s death diminishes.