🔗 Share this article Donald Trump Downplays Jamal Khashoggi Murder During Saudi Prince's White House Encounter Former President Donald Trump appeared to shrug off the killing of reporter Jamal Khashoggi, calling him an "extremely controversial" individual who was not well-liked. Oval Office Discussion alongside Saudi Crown Prince The statements came throughout a White House session with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his first visit since the columnist's killing in Istanbul. American spy agencies assessed that the Saudi leader had ordered the killing, but Trump stated that the prince "had no knowledge" about it. The Former President's Reaction to Reporter's Inquiry Trump additionally attacked the journalist who raised the matter, suggesting that the network ought to forfeit its license. "A lot of individuals did not like that gentleman you're talking about," the former president stated. "Irrespective of personal views, things occurred, yet he had no idea." Prince Mohammed replied, "It is distressing and it's a huge mistake, and we are striving to ensure it from happening again." Economic Agreements and Defense Transactions The meeting also highlighted promised Saudi Arabian funding in America, first announced as $600 billion, however subsequently raised to $1 trillion. The former president announced his plan to sell top-tier F-35 aircraft to Riyadh, despite objections from Israel as well as intelligence communities. Both leaders further acknowledged negotiations about a prospective agreement for Riyadh to normalize relations with Israel in return for a two-state solution. Middle Eastern Issues and Challenges The planned sale of F-35s has sparked anxiety among Israeli officials, which is the only operator of the F-35 in the region. American spy agencies are apprehensive because of Riyadh's close defense links with Beijing, raising fears regarding intellectual property risks. Nonetheless, Trump insisted that Saudi Arabia is entitled to comparable top-level jets as the Israelis, noting them being "good allies" of the United States. Broader Deals Besides weapons sales, US officials mentioned hopes of massive Saudi capital in the US AI sector, along with enhanced cooperation in nuclear energy projects. "We confirm that we will raise that $600 billion to almost one trillion," the crown prince announced. Political Complications The former president's team is additionally pursuing an atomic and defense partnership deal with Riyadh, that President Biden's team had tried but failed to secure. However, recent events, including the Hamas attack followed by ensuing bombardment in Gaza, have made difficult the prospects of normalization. "After October 7, in my view the cost for the kingdom to commit to normalization with Tel Aviv has increased considerably," a one-time peace envoy remarked. Future Talks "We desire to join the Abraham Accords, yet we also want to secure a concrete plan for a two-state solution," Prince Mohammed stated. Trump concurred, stating, "We held an excellent talk on the Abraham Accords. We talked about one state, two state." "We covered about a lot briefly. We will continue additional aspects," Trump concluded. "However, I believe you hold a very good feeling of the agreements." Criticism Regarding Business Interests The meeting was also contentious over perceived links between Trump's relatives private business interests with Middle Eastern nations. Trump dismissed the possibility of impropriety, claiming he has "withdrawn from his companies" while dedicated "100% of his energy" to the presidency. "I am not connected regarding the family business," he remarked. "What my family does is permissible. They do business worldwide. They have minimal involvement with Saudi Arabia, in fact. I expect opportunities exist. And anything they've done has been positive."