President defends Mohammed bin Salman in Oval Office, calling death a “huge mistake”
President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying he “knew nothing” about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi — a claim that stands in contrast to U.S. intelligence assessments.
Trump’s Defense
Speaking in the Oval Office during a ceremonial visit by the Saudi Crown Prince, Trump sharply rebuffed a reporter’s question on Khashoggi’s murder. He called the slain journalist “extremely controversial” and suggested the question was intended to “embarrass” his guest. Trump repeated his assertion that, though the death was regrettable, the prince had no foreknowledge of the killing.
“Things happen,” Trump said, adding: “He knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that.” He urged the media to drop further probing on his guest’s involvement.
Prince Mohammed’s Response
Mohammed bin Salman also addressed the press, calling the incident “painful” and acknowledging it as a “huge mistake.” He said Saudi authorities have since reformed processes to ensure that a similar incident cannot occur again. According to him, his government “did all the right steps of investigation” following the journalist’s death.
Intelligence vs. Political Support
Trump’s comments stand in tension with long-held intelligence views: U.S. agencies have assessed that the Crown Prince likely approved the operation that led to Khashoggi’s killing. Critics call Trump’s defense of Mohammed a signal that political and strategic ties override accountability for human rights abuses.
Some analysts argue this defense is part of a broader effort by Trump to restore and deepen U.S.–Saudi relations — including major defense deals and economic cooperation — even at the expense of confronting controversial acts.
Stakes of the Visit
Mohammed’s visit marks his first high-profile trip to Washington since 2018 and comes with renewed promises of Saudi investment in the U.S. Trump declared an ambitious plan, including discussions on defense sales, advanced jet technology, and civilian nuclear cooperation.
By publicly defending the prince, Trump is seeking to rehabilitate his reputation on the world stage. For his part, the Crown Prince appears eager to reset relations, pushing a narrative of reform and accountability while minimizing the implications of past actions.
Responses and Reactions
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Human rights advocates: Many expressed disappointment over Trump’s dismissal of intelligence warnings, arguing that it downplays the seriousness of Khashoggi’s murder.
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Political observers: Some see Trump’s move as strategic realpolitik — reinforcing strategic alignment over moral reckoning.
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Diplomatic analysts: For Saudi Arabia, Trump’s support is a valuable signal of U.S. willingness to overlook scandal in the interest of geopolitical cooperation.
What Comes Next
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Political fallout: The comments may reignite debate in Congress over U.S.–Saudi policy and human rights.
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Policy momentum: Expect discussions on defense sales and Saudi investment to accelerate, backed by Trump’s vocal support.
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Public scrutiny: As outrage over Khashoggi’s killing continues among many human rights organizations, Trump’s defense could invite renewed criticism especially if more evidence is brought forward or revisited.
Final Thought
By defending Mohammed bin Salman so staunchly, Trump is prioritizing geopolitical and economic partnership over intelligence conclusions. It’s a high-stakes gamble: the Crown Prince is being welcomed back at the White House, but under the cloud of one of the most controversial assassinations of the century. Whether Trump’s embrace will pay off or inflame long-standing concerns depends on how much weight the world places on accountability versus alliance.
