Trump Defends Saudi Prince Over Jamal Khashoggi Murder Question

In a fiery exchange at the White House, US President Donald Trump once again defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi — a stance that sharply contradicts previous US intelligence assessments and has reignited international criticism.

The confrontation unfolded on Tuesday when a reporter questioned the Saudi leader during his first US visit since Khashoggi’s murder. Trump, visibly angered, snapped at the journalist for “embarrassing” the prince, calling the slain Washington Post columnist “extremely controversial.”

“A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman you’re talking about,” Trump said, insisting that the crown prince “knew nothing about it” and urging the press to “leave it at that.”

White House Focuses on Deals, Not Accountability

Despite global outrage that followed Khashoggi’s killing inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the White House showcased a warm welcome for Prince Mohammed. The two leaders unveiled significant deals — including a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement and the approval of F-35 fighter jet sales — signaling a renewed push to strengthen US-Saudi ties.

Trump praised the prince as a “very good friend” and even lauded him for being “incredible, in terms of human rights,” a statement that drew swift backlash given the widely documented abuses linked to the Saudi ruler.

The reception included a military flyover of F-35 jets and a lavish gala dinner hosted by First Lady Melania Trump, with football icon Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly invited as a special guest.

Khashoggi’s Widow Responds: “No Justification to Murder My Husband”

Outside the celebrations, Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, condemned the comments, saying there was “no justification to murder my husband.” She urged the crown prince to meet her, apologize, and offer compensation.

Her statement highlights the deep wounds that remain seven years after the journalist’s murder, a case that once caused a diplomatic rupture and remains a defining stain on Saudi Arabia’s international image.

Contradicting US Intelligence

Trump’s remarks sharply oppose the 2021 US intelligence assessment that concluded Prince Mohammed personally ordered the killing. Saudi officials have long denied his involvement, blaming rogue agents instead.

By dismissing the intelligence report and opting for a more conciliatory tone, Trump has prioritized economic and geopolitical interests — including arms sales, nuclear cooperation, and pressure for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords.

Business Interests Under Scrutiny

Questions about conflicts of interest resurfaced after a Saudi developer announced a new hotel partnership with the Trump Organization in the Maldives. Trump denied any involvement, claiming he has “nothing to do with the family business,” which is now run by his sons.

Still, critics say the timing — paired with the massive Saudi investment pledge of $1 trillion — raises concerns about blurred lines between diplomatic relations and business incentives.

Regional Politics at Play

The meeting also touched on broader Middle East stability as Trump urged the prince to normalize relations with Israel. Prince Mohammed responded cautiously, saying Saudi Arabia is open to joining the Abraham Accords but needs a “clear path” toward Palestinian statehood.

The push comes at a critical moment, with the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas still in effect and the wider region on edge.

Why This Matters Now

Trump’s public defense of the crown prince — combined with the high-profile weapons deals and nuclear cooperation — signals a major shift in US-Saudi relations. It also reignites debates over accountability, human rights, press freedom, and geopolitical alliances.

The murder of Jamal Khashoggi remains one of the most haunting political crimes of recent years. And as the White House rolls out a red carpet for the Saudi ruler, the global discussion around justice, diplomacy, and ethics has been thrust back into the spotlight.