Overview
- Mohammed bin Salman received a lavish welcome at the White House with a military band, cannon fire, mounted troops and fighter jets, marking his first Washington visit in about seven years.
- Pressed about Jamal Khashoggi, Trump said the crown prince had no knowledge, called the slain journalist “extremely controversial,” added “things happen,” and admonished the reporter for asking.
- Trump put a potential sale of F‑35 jets to Saudi Arabia on the table, a departure from Israel’s prior exclusivity, and discussions were reported on a civilian nuclear framework that would face congressional scrutiny.
- Bin Salman said Saudi Arabia would raise planned investments in the United States to $1 trillion, increasing an earlier pledge by $400 billion.
- Human-rights organizations and Khashoggi’s widow condemned the rehabilitation of the crown prince, while multiple outlets reported Cristiano Ronaldo would join White House events, underscoring Riyadh’s image strategy.