THIS DAWN — The United States President Donald Trump has said that Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had no knowledge of the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi.
The claim stands in stark contrast to the conclusions of a 2021 US intelligence report.
Speaking during a high-profile meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump dismissed longstanding allegations against the crown prince.
He described Khashoggi himself as “extremely controversial.”
The president’s remarks came during an official visit marked by an elaborate ceremonial welcome on the South Lawn.
It was completed with a military fly-over and cannon salute—an honor rarely reserved for foreign leaders.
According to White House correspondent Bernd Debusmann Jr., the lavish reception underscores “just how important Saudi Arabia is to the Trump administration,” both in diplomatic and strategic terms.
In the Oval Office, the two leaders presented a united front, emphasizing strengthened economic ties as a central pillar of their partnership.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced that Saudi Arabia is prepared to invest $1 trillion in the United States over the coming years, describing the initiative as a “transformational commitment to a shared future of prosperity.”
Trump praised the investment pledge as “historic” and “a massive vote of confidence in the American economy.”
Beyond security and economic cooperation, the visit also touched on cultural and sporting exchanges.
A senior US official confirmed that football star Cristiano Ronaldo—captain of Saudi club Al-Nassr—will make an appearance at the White House later today.
Ronaldo’s presence is expected to highlight the growing global profile of Saudi sports ventures and the strengthening of people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Contradicting US intelligence
While the meeting focused heavily on a forward-looking economic agenda, Trump’s comments on the Khashoggi case drew immediate attention.
The president reiterated his belief that the crown prince was not involved in the killing inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Trump’s position went contrary to the US intelligence community’s earlier assessment implicating him.
Trump defended his stance by portraying Khashoggi as a polarizing figure, further signaling his administration’s desire to move past the controversy.
As the crown prince’s visit continues, observers say the White House is aiming to project a message of consolidated partnership.
The visit is also expected to broaden investment ambition and renew strategic alignment between Washington and Riyadh.
The day’s events and rhetoric suggest that both sides are seeking to elevate their relationship to one of the most consequential diplomatic alliances on the global stage.
