Washington (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman against allegations of involvement in the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi during their meeting in Washington, dismissing the U.S. intelligence community’s assertions. Trump described Khashoggi as “extremely controversial” and stated the Crown Prince “knew nothing about it,” calling the incident “things happen,” a stance that contrasts with the 2021 CIA report implicating the Crown Prince, as per multiple media accounts including CNN, New York Post, and BBC.
Trump defends Saudi Crown Prince over killing of journalist as they hold talks in Washington
During a November 2025 meeting in the Oval Office, former President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman against allegations of ordering the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, describing Khashoggi as a controversial figure and asserting the Prince’s innocence. The comments contradict a 2021 U.S. intelligence report implicating the Crown Prince and drew mixed reactions amid ongoing diplomatic talks.
Trump’s remarks on Khashoggi murder
As reported by CNN’s live coverage (November 17, 2025), Trump said of Mohammed bin Salman, “He knew nothing about it,” and dismissed the killing as a regrettable yet isolated incident, stating “things happen.” Trump portrayed Khashoggi as an “extremely controversial” figure, downplaying the murder’s significance. He asserted he had no conflicts of interest regarding family business ties to Saudi Arabia and emphasized his past business success with the kingdom.
The former president also questioned the validity of intelligence assessments linking the Crown Prince to the murder, highlighting that the event affected American-Saudi relations negatively, an outcome allegedly desired by extremist groups such as those led by Osama bin Laden.
Responses and geopolitical context
According to NBC News and The New York Times coverage, Trump’s position runs contrary to the official 2021 CIA assessment that found Mohammed bin Salman likely ordered Khashoggi’s killing. The journalist was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, sparking global outrage and diplomatic tensions.
The remarks occurred during a high-profile visit by the Crown Prince intended to strengthen bilateral ties on energy, security, and regional stability. As reported by Politico and NPR, many U.S. lawmakers and human rights advocates criticised Trump’s defence of the Crown Prince, calling for accountability and justice for Khashoggi’s murder.
Details of the meeting and diplomatic emphasis
Trump and Mohammed bin Salman met in the Oval Office in Washington D.C., with video and media coverage capturing the exchange. As stated by ABC News correspondent in the room, Trump redirected questions about the business dealings of his family in Saudi Arabia, refusing to acknowledge any conflict of interest and labelling such queries as “fake news.”
Former President Trump praised the Crown Prince’s work in Saudi Arabia, noting reforms and efforts to combat extremism, as per transcripts and live reports from CNN and News18. The tone of the meeting suggested a desire to move past the controversy surrounding Khashoggi and focus on mutual interests.
Background on Khashoggi’s murder
Jamal Khashoggi was a Washington Post columnist critical of Saudi policies and the Crown Prince’s consolidation of power. His assassination inside the Istanbul consulate was followed by a botched cover-up attempt by Saudi officials. The U.S. intelligence report of 2021 concluded that Mohammed bin Salman approved the killing, a conclusion rejected by the Saudi government and defended now by Trump.
The murder remains one of the most notorious acts linked to Saudi Arabia’s modern governance and has influenced U.S.-Saudi relations since 2018, underscoring disputes over transparency, human rights, and international law.