President Trump publicly defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an Oval Office encounter in which reporters raised the CIA assessment that the crown prince approved the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Asked about the agency’s conclusion, Trump pushed back on the line of questioning, noting Khashoggi was a controversial figure and saying, in part, ‘You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question.’
The CIA has concluded the crown prince approved the operation that killed and dismembered Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Saudi officials, including the crown prince, have denied any knowledge of the plot. Salman has called the killing heinous and unjustifiable and said Riyadh has strengthened its systems to prevent a repeat, calling the episode painful and a huge mistake.
Trump also rejected questions about a possible conflict of interest tied to his family’s business while hosting Salman, saying he no longer runs the family enterprises and left that success behind to focus on the presidency.
The two leaders emphasized a major economic agenda. The White House previously announced a roughly $600 billion Saudi pledge to invest in the United States after a May visit to Riyadh; during the Oval Office meeting Salman claimed Saudi investment could rise to almost $1 trillion, though he did not specify whether he meant direct Saudi government investment or broader deals that could reach that value. Salman expressed particular interest in artificial intelligence and other technology sectors.
On security matters, Trump and Salman reiterated plans for potential U.S. sales of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Trump downplayed concerns about Israel’s reaction, suggesting Israel would be pleased. He also said a formal civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia could be possible in time but was ‘not urgent.’
Asked about the Abraham Accords and whether Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel, the crown prince did not commit. He described a desire to be part of regional normalization efforts while insisting on a clear path toward a two-state solution. Both leaders said discussions on the issue would continue.
A White House dinner for the crown prince was scheduled to follow the day’s meetings.