US President Donald Trump on Tuesday strongly defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, insisting the Saudi leader “knew nothing” about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi — a stance that contradicts the conclusion reached by US intelligence agencies.
The issue resurfaced in dramatic fashion inside the Oval Office as the crown prince made his first visit to the White House in more than seven years. The high-profile trip, aimed at restoring his international image after the Khashoggi scandal, included discussions on defense cooperation, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
US intelligence agencies previously determined that the crown prince approved the operation to capture or kill Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. While denying he ordered the killing, bin Salman has accepted responsibility as Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler.
“A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman you’re talking about,” Trump told reporters with the crown prince seated beside him. “Things happened, but he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that.”
Bin Salman described Khashoggi’s death as “painful” and said his government carried out the necessary investigations to prevent such incidents in the future. “It’s a huge mistake,” he told reporters.
Trump also praised the crown prince for doing an “incredible” job on human rights, without providing details. He criticized the reporter who raised the Khashoggi question, accusing him of trying to “embarrass our guest.”
The remarks drew a sharp response from Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, who said no political defense could justify such a “horrible crime.” She expressed hope that Trump would meet her so she could “introduce him to the real Jamal.”
Human rights groups have long condemned bin Salman not only for the killing but also for his broader crackdown on dissent. However, they acknowledge that he has also pushed through sweeping social reforms that have reshaped Saudi society.
Deepening strategic partnership
Trump later announced the designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, strengthening military and economic cooperation between the two nations. Both sides also confirmed new agreements covering arms sales, nuclear energy collaboration, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
The White House said the two governments signed a Strategic Defense Agreement aimed at bolstering deterrence across the Middle East. The deal will also ease the entry of US defense firms into Saudi Arabia and secure cost-sharing contributions from Riyadh. Although significant, it falls short of the NATO-style defense pact Saudi Arabia initially sought.
Washington also approved future deliveries of F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom — a major policy shift. If completed, the sale would make Saudi Arabia the first Middle Eastern country other than Israel to acquire the advanced aircraft, potentially reshaping regional military dynamics.
Saudi Arabia additionally agreed to purchase 300 US-made tanks.
A joint declaration confirmed the conclusion of negotiations on civil nuclear energy cooperation. While Saudi Arabia seeks access to US nuclear technology, progress has been challenging due to Washington’s insistence that Riyadh abandon plans for uranium enrichment or spent-fuel reprocessing — both considered pathways to nuclear weapons.
Trump said he received a “positive response” regarding Saudi Arabia’s willingness to normalize relations with Israel. However, bin Salman reiterated that any move toward the Abraham Accords must include a clear path toward Palestinian statehood — a condition Israel has rejected.
Investment pledges and Vision 2030
The crown prince began his visit with an elaborate welcome ceremony featuring a cannon salute, military honor guard, and a flyover by US warplanes. Sitting alongside Trump, he pledged to increase Saudi investment in the United States to $1 trillion, up from an earlier $600 billion commitment, though without specifying a timeline.
The two nations also signed agreements on artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
Analysts note that meeting the trillion-dollar investment promise will be challenging for Saudi Arabia, given its massive spending at home on megaprojects tied to Vision 2030, bin Salman’s ambitious plan to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil.
The crown prince is expected to highlight these initiatives at a major investment conference on Wednesday at the Kennedy Center, attended by top corporate executives.
Amid questions about business links between the Trump family and Saudi investors, the president insisted he has “nothing to do with the family business” and has focused entirely on governing. Although Trump placed his assets in a trust managed by his children, he remains a beneficiary of the family enterprise and will have access to its earnings once he leaves office.
