Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince on Khashoggi Killing, Contradicting U.S. Intel

White House Visit and Khashoggi Killing

• 🇸🇦 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made his first U.S. visit since intelligence concluded he approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump defended the Crown Prince, stating he "knew nothing" about the killing, directly contradicting U.S. intelligence officials.

Contradiction of Intelligence Findings

• 💡 Trump's assertion that the Crown Prince knew nothing about Khashoggi's death flies in the face of years of U.S. intelligence reports.
• 🎯 Even Trump's own CIA director concluded the Crown Prince either directed or indicated a desire for Khashoggi to be captured or killed.

President's Remarks and Reporter Interaction

• 🗣️ Trump's comment that Khashoggi was "very controversial" and that "things happen" was seen as implying Khashoggi perhaps had it coming.
• 😠 The President became notably angry at the reporter who asked about the Crown Prince's role in Khashoggi's death.

Lavish Welcome and Financial Ties

• 🐎 The White House extended a welcome with many trappings of a state visit, including people on horseback and a flyover by fighter jets.
• 💰 Persistent questions remain about the Trump family's deep financial ties to Saudi Arabia, despite Trump's denial of any conflict of interest regarding business dealings.
• ✈️ The visit occurred shortly after the U.S. approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for the first time.