Overview
- Trump said Mohammed bin Salman did not know about Jamal Khashoggi’s 2018 murder and brushed off the issue as “things happen,” then castigated the ABC journalist who raised it.
- Mohammed bin Salman called Khashoggi’s death painful and a great mistake, denied direct involvement, and said he assumes responsibility as regent for actions by individuals who worked for the Saudi government.
- The crown prince received full honors at the White House, signaling his diplomatic rehabilitation and drawing objections from Khashoggi’s widow and press-freedom advocates.
- A high-profile dinner followed with U.S. business figures including Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, alongside ongoing Trump Organization and Jared Kushner investments in Saudi Arabia.
- Trump announced an upgraded security and economic partnership with Riyadh, including a planned Major Non‑NATO Ally designation, a civilian nuclear cooperation pact cited by the White House, approval of future arms sales including F‑35 jets, and what he billed as $270 billion in deals.