US President Donald Trump reignited a major global debate on Tuesday as he defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in connection with the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump dismissed long-standing US intelligence findings and claimed the Crown Prince “knew nothing about it,” drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups.
Trump Rejects US Intelligence Findings
US President Donald Trump strongly defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, rejecting US intelligence assessments that linked him to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump said he believed the Crown Prince “knew nothing about it” and asked reporters not to question him in a way that would “embarrass our guest.”
The comments came as Trump welcomed the Crown Prince to Washington during his first visit to the White House in seven years. The meeting signalled a renewed closeness between the two leaders after tensions that arose following the killing.
The Killing of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi
Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi government, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. His death shocked the world and raised serious questions about Saudi Arabia’s handling of dissent.
Trump described Khashoggi as “extremely controversial” and said that “a lot of people didn’t like” the journalist. He added, “Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen,” referring to the killing. Trump then insisted, “(Prince Mohammed) knew nothing about it. And we can leave it at that.”
He told reporters, “You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that.”
Intelligence Agencies Hold a Different View
Despite Trump’s defence, US intelligence officials had previously concluded that the Crown Prince likely approved the operation. The Associated Press reported that findings declassified in 2021 at the beginning of the Biden administration pointed to Mohammed bin Salman’s involvement.
During the meeting, Prince Mohammed briefly addressed the killing. He said Saudi Arabia “did all the right steps” to investigate Khashoggi’s death. Calling the case “painful” and “a huge mistake,” the Crown Prince claimed that Saudi authorities acted properly after the incident.
Trump Praises Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Changes
Trump continued to show strong support for the Crown Prince. He praised the leader for what he described as progress in human rights in Saudi Arabia. Trump said, “I’m very proud of the job he’s done.” He added, “What he’s done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else.”
His remarks caused immediate backlash from human rights organisations.
Rights Groups Criticise Trump’s Comments
Critics argued that Trump ignored ongoing crackdowns inside Saudi Arabia. Several human rights groups said Saudi authorities continue to arrest journalists, activists, and dissidents who criticise the kingdom. They also highlighted the rising number of executions in recent years.
Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, condemned Trump’s defence of the Crown Prince. He said, “Trump’s shameful and disgusting comments about the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi cannot be separated from Trump’s personal business interests with the Saudi regime.”
Trump’s renewed defence of Mohammed bin Salman is expected to deepen debates in Washington over the US relationship with Saudi Arabia. The Khashoggi case remains a major point of contention as policymakers weigh human rights concerns against geopolitical interests.
