U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had no knowledge of the killing of U.S. resident and Saudi national Jamal Khashoggi. Trump warmly welcomed Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, commonly known as MBS, in a visit aimed at advancing the sale of F-35 fighter jets and various business agreements with the kingdom.
The last time MBS visited Washington was shortly before Khashoggi, a vocal critic of the Saudi royal family and a columnist for The Washington Post, was murdered in Turkey in 2018. Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 of that year and never emerged alive. Turkish officials labeled it a premeditated attack, stating that his attackers strangled him, dismembered his body with a bone saw, and disposed of it.
Despite U.S. intelligence asserting that MBS sanctioned the capture or the gruesome killing of Khashoggi, the crown prince denied directly ordering the operation but admitted responsibility as the kingdom’s de facto ruler.
During the visit, Trump defended bin Salman, emphasizing that the crown prince was unaware of the incident. Trump criticized an ABC News journalist for raising questions about Khashoggi’s murder, stating, “You don’t have to embarrass our guests by asking a question like that.”
In response, bin Salman expressed sorrow over any loss of life, emphasizing the kingdom’s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future. The warm reception MBS received in Washington indicates an improvement in relations following the strain caused by Khashoggi’s murder.
Despite protests by DAWN, a human rights and democracy organization founded by Khashoggi, outside the Saudi embassy in Washington, the visit proceeded as planned. DAWN displayed an LED billboard truck featuring an image of MBS with the message: “Mr. Bone Saw is in town and wants you to forget about his crimes.”
Bin Salman, who portrays himself as a peacemaker, has been instrumental in fostering regional peace efforts. Domestically, he has initiated economic reforms and social changes, including granting women more rights and freedoms.
The article further discusses the economic ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, with discussions on increased investments, defense agreements, and the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. It highlights the potential shift in regional dynamics and the pursuit of Middle East peace through agreements like the Abraham Accords.
Bin Salman’s ascendancy to power, his consolidation of authority, and his efforts to modernize Saudi society are also detailed in the article, showcasing his significant impact on the kingdom’s domestic and international affairs.
The meeting between Trump and bin Salman underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries and the evolving dynamics in the Middle East region.