WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed a question about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calling the inquiry an attempt to embarrass Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to the White House. Trump’s remarks reignited scrutiny of the 2018 killing, which U.S. intelligence later linked to the powerful Saudi leader.
Trump defended the crown prince when asked about the killing inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He said Khashoggi was “extremely controversial” and claimed that “a lot of people didn’t like” the Washington Post columnist.
“Whether you liked him or didn’t like him, things happen,” Trump said in the Oval Office. He added that the question itself was inappropriate. “You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that,” he said.
Trump insisted the crown prince “knew nothing about it,” despite the CIA assessment that found he likely ordered the assassination.
Prince Mohammed, speaking during the same exchange, called Khashoggi’s death a “huge mistake.” He said the killing caused deep pain in Saudi Arabia and argued that the government carried out proper steps to investigate it.
“It’s really painful to hear anyone losing their life for no real purpose or not in a legal way,” he said. “We are doing our best so that this doesn’t happen again.”
His comments marked his first public remarks on U.S. soil since 2018. This week’s visit to Washington is his first trip to the United States since months before the murder.
A declassified 2021 U.S. intelligence report concluded that the crown prince approved the operation to kill Khashoggi. The assessment cited his tight control over Saudi decision-making and the involvement of key aides.
“We base this assessment on the Crown Prince’s control of decision-making in the Kingdom,” the report said. It also noted the role of security officers in detail and their past actions against dissidents.
Saudi leaders have long denied that the prince ordered the killing, though they acknowledged the involvement of Saudi operatives.
The Khashoggi murder remains a major point of tension in U.S.–Saudi relations. Human rights groups continue to push for accountability. Lawmakers in both parties have raised concerns about U.S. cooperation with Riyadh as the case remains unresolved.
Khashoggi lived in the United States and wrote columns that often criticized the crown prince’s policies. His killing set off international outrage and sparked ongoing questions about press freedom and political repression in Saudi Arabia.
Trump’s latest remarks drew scrutiny because they appeared to downplay the murder while defending the Saudi leader. The timing of the comments, during a high-profile diplomatic visit, brought renewed attention to the case.
Prince Mohammed’s Washington visit signals a continued effort to strengthen ties between the two nations. The meetings come amid talks on regional security, energy issues, and economic cooperation.
Despite the controversy surrounding Khashoggi’s murder, both governments have emphasized the importance of their long-standing partnership. Analysts say the Biden administration and Saudi leadership have increased engagement in recent months due to shifting dynamics in the Middle East.
Advocates say the United States must continue to press for justice in the Khashoggi case. They argue that dismissive comments from political leaders—such as Trump’s—risk undermining efforts to promote human rights and free expression.
The crown prince maintains he had no role in the killing. However, the CIA assessment continues to shape public debate and international scrutiny. As the prince seeks to strengthen global partnerships, the unresolved questions surrounding Khashoggi remain a significant part of his diplomatic shadow.
