Trump Praises Saudi Crown Prince, Dodges Question on Khashoggi Murder
President Donald Trump described Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “a very good friend” during a White House appearance and brushed aside a reporter’s question about the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The president rejected the premise of U.S. intelligence findings that previously suggested the crown prince was likely aware of the killing. Instead, he told reporters they should not “embarrass our guest,” signaling a firm willingness to move past the incident and strengthen ties with Riyadh.
When pressed again about accountability for Khashoggi’s death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Trump downplayed the issue and shifted attention to Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance, calling the crown prince “a powerful leader doing a great job.”
The crown prince expressed regret over the killing, describing it as a “serious mistake,” while insisting the kingdom has implemented reforms to prevent similar incidents. The exchange underscored the political balancing act between human rights concerns and Washington’s deepening reliance on Saudi cooperation in regional security and energy markets.
