A tense White House moment unfolded when Donald Trump lashed out at a journalist who questioned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, triggering a fresh wave of global scrutiny over human rights, US Saudi relations and the long shadow of the 2018 assassination.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a warm welcome from President Donald Trump during his visit to the White House. It marked his first appearance there since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a case that reshaped international perceptions of the Saudi leadership. Despite the findings of US intelligence, Trump publicly stated that the crown prince knew nothing about the killing and defended him in front of reporters.
When a journalist raised Khashoggi’s name, Trump dismissed the question and said Khashoggi was a controversial figure. Trump added that many people did not like him and that although tragic events occur, the crown prince was not aware of the situation. Trump began his remarks by praising the crown prince for what he called improvements in human rights and other areas.
The crown prince has faced intense global criticism since the 2018 assassination of Khashoggi, who was known for his outspoken views and criticism of the Saudi government. The CIA previously concluded that Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing. Even at the time, Trump defended the Saudi leader and refused to accept the intelligence findings.
During this latest exchange, Trump grew visibly irritated when an ABC News reporter questioned the crown prince about Khashoggi’s death and the long standing criticism from families of those killed in the September 11 attacks. Trump attacked the network by calling it fake news and described the journalist as the worst in the business.
The crown prince responded by dismissing the criticism directed at Saudi Arabia, calling it an attempt to divide Washington and Riyadh. He expressed sympathy for the families of the 9/11 victims but insisted on the need to focus on reality. He defended his government’s investigation into Khashoggi’s killing and noted that Saudi courts imposed death sentences on five individuals involved. He added that the incident was deeply painful for the kingdom and promised efforts to prevent similar events.
Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan El Ater Khashoggi, responded to Trump by saying there was no justification for the murder of her husband. She described him as a brave and transparent man who valued press freedom. She insisted that if the crown prince was sorry, he should meet her personally, apologize and provide compensation.
In 2019, the crown prince acknowledged full responsibility for the killing because it happened under his rule, although he continued to deny ordering it. Trump welcomed him with high ceremony, including an air show, cavalry escort and a tour of the Rose Garden. The two leaders were also expected to sign economic and security agreements during the visit, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
