Trump Downplays Khashoggi Killing Throughout Saudi Crown Prince's White House Visit

Ex-President Donald Trump appeared to shrug off the assassination of journalist Khashoggi, describing him as an "highly divisive" person who was disliked.

Oval Office Discussion alongside Saudi Crown Prince

These comments came amid a presidential session with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his inaugural appearance after the columnist's killing abroad.

US intelligence assessed that the Saudi leader had ordered the assassination, but the former president maintained that he "knew nothing" regarding it.

Trump's Response to Reporter's Inquiry

Donald Trump further rebuked the journalist who asked about the matter, proposing that the media outlet deserve to lose its broadcasting rights.

"A lot of individuals were not fond of that gentleman you are referring to," Trump remarked. "Regardless of your opinion, things occurred, but he was unaware."

Prince Mohammed responded, "It is distressing and a significant blunder, and we are striving to ensure a recurrence."

Economic Deals and Military Transactions

The meeting also highlighted promised Saudi funding in America, originally presented as $600 billion, however later increased to one trillion dollars.

Trump stated his plan to sell sophisticated F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, notwithstanding objections from the Israeli government as well as US intelligence.

The two men also confirmed negotiations about a prospective deal for Riyadh to establish diplomatic links with Israel in exchange for a sovereign Palestine.

Middle Eastern Concerns and Complications

The proposed fighter jet deal has triggered alarm within Israel, which is the only operator of the advanced plane in the Middle East.

US intelligence are apprehensive because of Saudi Arabia's close defense links with the Chinese, raising concerns regarding technology theft.

Nevertheless, the former president stated that Riyadh deserves equivalent high-grade aircraft as Tel Aviv, citing them being "good allies" of the United States.

Broader Arrangements

In addition to arms deals, American authorities noted expectations of multibillion-dollar Saudi Arabian capital in America's AI sector, plus deeper cooperation on civil nuclear power initiatives.

"We confirm that we are increasing the initial amount to around a trillion dollars," the crown prince declared.

Diplomatic Challenges

The Trump government is additionally pursuing a nuclear and security cooperation agreement with the kingdom, that the Biden administration had tried but failed to finalize.

Yet, the ongoing situation, including the Hamas attack followed by ensuing Israeli military actions in the region, have hindered the likelihood of an agreement.

"After October 7, in my view the cost for the kingdom to commit to diplomatic ties with Israel has gone up substantially," a one-time American diplomat stated.

Prospective Negotiations

"We desire to join the normalization agreements, yet we require to ensure a definite route toward Palestinian statehood," the Saudi leader declared.

The former president concurred, stating, "We've had a very good conversation about diplomatic ties. We discussed about one state, two state."

"We talked about many topics briefly. We'll be discussing it further," he added. "However, I believe you hold a clear grasp of the agreements."

Controversy Regarding Financial Ties

The visit further controversial due to perceived connections involving the former president's family private business interests and Gulf nations.

The former president denied any ethical concerns, asserting he has "relinquished control from his companies" while committed "all his efforts" to his role.

"I have no involvement with the family business," he said. "What my family does is fine. They work all over. They have minimal involvement with Riyadh, in fact. I believe they could do a lot. And anything they've done has been very good."

Ronald Bray
Ronald Bray

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.