🔗 Share this article

Former President Donald Trump appeared to shrug off the killing of reporter Jamal Khashoggi, calling him an "extremely controversial" person that was disliked.

Oval Office Talks alongside Saudi Arabian Crown Prince

The remarks came throughout a White House meeting with the Saudi crown prince, marking the prince's initial trip since the journalist's death abroad.

Intelligence officials determined that the Saudi leader had ordered the assassination, but Trump insisted that the prince "knew nothing" regarding it.

The Former President's Reply to Journalist's Question

Donald Trump additionally attacked the reporter who brought up the issue, suggesting that the broadcaster deserve to lose its broadcasting rights.

"Numerous folks did not like that gentleman you're talking about," Trump stated. "Whether you like him or not, events unfolded, however he had no idea."

The crown prince responded, "It hurts and it's a huge mistake, and we are working hard to prevent a recurrence."

Economic Agreements and Military Sales

The discussion also highlighted proposed Saudi Arabian spending in the US, originally presented as a $600bn package, but potentially expanded to one trillion dollars.

Trump confirmed his plan to sell sophisticated F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, notwithstanding objections by Israeli officials and intelligence communities.

The two men further acknowledged talks on a potential arrangement for Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with the Israeli government conditional on a Palestinian state.

Middle Eastern Concerns and Complications

The planned sale of F-35s has triggered anxiety in Israel, that currently possesses the advanced plane in the Middle East.

American spy agencies have expressed concern because of Riyadh's strong security ties with the Chinese, bringing up apprehensions about security breaches.

Nonetheless, the former president stated that Saudi Arabia deserves comparable high-grade jets as Tel Aviv, citing them being "reliable friends" of the US.

Broader Deals

Alongside weapons sales, American authorities noted plans of massive Saudi Arabian capital in the United States' AI industry, along with enhanced partnership in civil nuclear power initiatives.

"We confirm that we will raise the proposed investment to almost one trillion," the crown prince declared.

Political Issues

The Trump administration is additionally pursuing a nuclear and security cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, which President Biden's team had tried but failed to secure.

Yet, the ongoing situation, including the October assault followed by ensuing bombardment in the region, have made difficult the likelihood of such a deal.

"After October 7, I believe the cost for Saudi to agree to normalization with Tel Aviv has increased substantially," a one-time peace envoy stated.

Future Talks

"We wish to join the Abraham Accords, but we also want to secure a clear path for Palestinian sovereignty," the crown prince remarked.

The former president concurred, noting, "We conducted an excellent conversation regarding normalization. We talked about various options."

"We discussed about many topics briefly. We will continue more details," he continued. "However, I believe you hold a clear grasp regarding normalization."

Criticism Regarding Financial Ties

The visit further disputed over possible overlap involving Trump's relatives financial activities and Middle Eastern nations.

Trump denied any conflict of interest, asserting he had "relinquished control from his business empire" and devoted "100% of his energy" to governing.

"I have nothing to do with their commercial activities," he stated. "What my family does is fine. They do business globally. They have minimal involvement with Saudi Arabia, actually. I'm sure opportunities exist. And anything they've done has been successful."