Trump Embraces Saudi Crown Prince, Dismisses Khashoggi Murder Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hold a press conference in the Oval Office.

Trump Embraces Saudi Crown Prince, Dismisses Khashoggi Murder Concerns

By Paul V. Young – TheNationWeek.Com | November 19, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a move signaling a stark departure from previous diplomatic norms, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Oval Office on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, effectively ending the Prince’s post-Khashoggi assassination isolation.

During the meeting, Trump downplayed the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, dismissing it as “extremely controversial” and suggesting that inquiries about the killing were intended to embarrass the Crown Prince.

“You’re mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman… things happen,” Trump stated, greeting bin Salman with a lavish state visit complete with a military band and fighter jet flyover.

Despite a CIA assessment concluding that the Crown Prince likely ordered Khashoggi’s assassination, Trump asserted bin Salman’s innocence, declaring, “he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that.”

The meeting marked a significant rehabilitation of the Crown Prince’s image on the international stage, bestowing upon him the full honors of a state visit.

Trump lauded bin Salman’s “incredible” human rights record and highlighted new investment agreements, reaffirming plans for the sale of American-made jets to Saudi Arabia.

He also expressed irritation at questions regarding Khashoggi’s death, admonishing a reporter, “You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that.”

The President’s remarks drew immediate and sharp criticism.

Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, Jamal Khashoggi’s widow, vehemently rejected Trump’s characterization of her late husband, stating that being controversial does not justify murder.

She emphasized Khashoggi’s integrity and bravery, demanding an apology and compensation from the Crown Prince.

The meeting also prompted a critical response from The Washington Post, where Khashoggi was a contributing columnist.

An editorial condemned Trump’s comments as disrespectful to Khashoggi’s legacy and inconsistent with the established facts surrounding his death.

The CIA’s 2021 report indicated bin Salman’s approval of the operation to kill Khashoggi, a claim the Crown Prince has consistently denied.

While Trump previously expressed outrage over Khashoggi’s murder during his first term, his recent actions reflect a renewed effort to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia.

He has visited the kingdom to discuss investments and security and expressed hope for Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Abraham Accords.

However, bin Salman has indicated that normalization with Israel is contingent upon a clear path for Palestinian statehood.