'Things happen' - Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing

November 19, 2025

President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, claiming the crown prince had no knowledge of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 murder, contradicting a 2021 US intelligence assessment that found bin Salman approved the killing operation. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed major economic deals including a substantial increase in Saudi investment to $1 trillion and potential sales of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This marked the crown prince's first US visit since the assassination, which had severely damaged US-Saudi relations during the Biden administration.

Who is affected

Jamal Khashoggi's widow, Hanan Khashoggi
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Israeli officials concerned about military advantage
US defense contractor Lockheed Martin
Saudi Arabia as a nation (investment commitments)
The United States (recipient of Saudi investment)
Dozens of Saudi officials who faced sanctions after the assassination

What action is being taken

Saudi Arabia is increasing its investment commitment in the US to $1 trillion from $600bn
Export licenses for military equipment are being announced
Trump and bin Salman are negotiating a potential deal for F-35 fighter aircraft between Saudi Arabia and Lockheed Martin
The crown prince is participating in a gala dinner and investment summit

Why it matters

This meeting represents a significant shift in US-Saudi relations, reversing the Biden administration's approach of treating Saudi Arabia as a "pariah" over human rights concerns. The substantial economic and military agreements being negotiated demonstrate Trump's prioritization of strategic and commercial ties over human rights considerations. The potential F-35 sale is particularly significant as it could alter the military balance in the Middle East, challenging Israel's current exclusive possession of these advanced aircraft in the region. Trump's public dismissal of US intelligence findings about the crown prince's role in Khashoggi's murder signals a willingness to overlook the assassination in favor of strengthening the bilateral relationship.

What's next

The crown prince's visit continues with a gala dinner on Tuesday night
An investment summit is scheduled for Wednesday
Export licenses and a deal between Saudi Arabia and Lockheed Martin for F-35 aircraft are expected to be finalized

Read full article from source: BBC