‘It’s Sickening’: Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Over Khashoggi Killing

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, telling reporters, “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about. Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen. But … he knew nothing about it.” He followed with a sharper line meant to shut down the room: “And we can leave it at that. You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that.”

The visit was the crown prince’s first trip to Washington since the killing. The White House rolled out a full ceremonial welcome, complete with an honor guard, a cannon salute and a flyover that made the day feel more like a state event than a working meeting. It was a message written in pageantry.

President Donald Trump used the moment to highlight major deals. He confirmed plans to sell F 35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and praised new economic ties, saying the kingdom would “invest heavily in the United States.” The focus on jets and money made it clear that the meeting was not about apologies. It was about business.

Human rights groups and several lawmakers reacted with open frustration. US intelligence agencies have long concluded the crown prince was likely involved in the Khashoggi killing, and critics argued that such a warm reception glossed over that record. Those voices said the United States should put accountability before comfort.

Inside the administration, officials described the visit as a strategic push. They pointed to cooperation on Gaza, energy, technology and shared security issues. That framing pleased some investors even as rights advocates warned that the move signaled a troubling message about the value of dissent.

Reporters pressed President Donald Trump on the past intelligence conclusions and whether Washington would insist on reforms. He brushed aside the questions, saying the relationship “mattered for jobs and regional stability.” Critics said the answer felt too neat for a problem that was anything but.

Supporters of the meeting said stronger ties could bring results that stretch from new investments to expanded influence in the region. Opponents warned that skipping accountability risked telling the world that free speech and justice could be traded away with ease. The divide in Washington remained deep.

On X, reactions came fast and sharp.

By the end of the day, one moment defined the day. The White House chose ceremony and deals, and President Donald Trump stood by a long time ally while insisting the crown prince “knew nothing about it” and that sometimes, simply, “things happen.”

Featured image via YouTube screengrab