The U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) have reignited global controversy by dismissing renewed criticism over the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi during the crown prince’s high-profile visit to the White House on November 18, 2025. The meeting, marked by lavish ceremony and displays of political camaraderie, drew sharp rebukes from human rights advocates and U.S. lawmakers, who argue that minimizing the killing signals a disregard for justice and press freedom.
Lavish Reception Overshadowed by Tough QuestionsTrump welcomed MBS with unusual pomp, including a military flyover and a reception by the US Marine band, underscoring the kingdom’s strategic importance despite recent strains in U.S.–Saudi relations. However, as the two leaders sat for questions in the Oval Office, the focus quickly shifted to the unresolved shadow of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, which took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.
When pressed by reporters about U.S. intelligence findings that the Saudi crown prince had approved the operation to “capture or kill” Khashoggi, Trump was quick to intervene. “You’re mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about,” Trump said. “Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen, but [Crown Prince] knew nothing about it. And we can leave it at that. You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that,” he added.
Trump further accused journalists of being “fake news” and praised the crown prince for his human rights reforms, though without pointing to specifics. “What’s he done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else. I’m very proud of the job he’s done,” Trump declared, highlighting their “good friendship”.
Crown Prince Stresses “Painful Mistake,” Rejects Responsibility.
For his part, Mohammed bin Salman called Khashoggi’s death “painful” and a “huge mistake,” but reiterated his longstanding denial of direct responsibility. “We’ve improved our system to be sure that nothing happened like that. And it’s painful and it’s a huge mistake,” MBS told reporters, emphasizing steps the Saudi government has taken since the killing.
The prince’s visit marked his first to Washington since global outrage erupted over Khashoggi’s assassination.
Intelligence and Expert Reactions
A declassified U.S. intelligence assessment released in 2021 concluded that the crown prince had approved the Istanbul operation against Khashoggi. It cited his “absolute control over the Kingdom’s security and intelligence organizations” and direct involvement of his advisers in the killing.
Experts fear that Trump’s visible defense and the prince’s return to high-level engagement in Washington could have chilling effects. The National Press Club warned that rhetoric dismissing the case could “embolden those who wish to silence reporters” and undermine global press freedom.
Real-World Impact and What’s Next
Families of September 11 victims, human rights activists, and journalists have all voiced deep disappointment, seeing the brush-off as a signal that diplomatic and business ties are prioritized over accountability. Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s continued arms sales and strategic partnership with Riyadh remain contentious.
Observers expect continued scrutiny of U.S.-Saudi relations, especially regarding defense contracts—which may alter regional security dynamics—and the long-term implications for freedom of the press worldwide.
Summary
The White House meeting between Trump and MBS demonstrates the persistent tension between diplomacy, economic interests, and the pursuit of justice for Khashoggi’s murder. As the crown prince continues efforts to restore his global standing, the international community faces pressing questions about whether fundamental human rights and protections for journalists can be defended in the face of realpolitik.
