🔗 Share this article Donald Trump Dismisses Jamal Khashoggi Assassination Throughout Saudi Arabian Crown Prince's White House Meeting Former President Donald Trump appeared to shrug off the assassination of columnist Khashoggi, labeling him an "very contentious" person that was disliked. Oval Office Discussion with Saudi Crown Prince The statements were delivered during a White House session alongside Prince Mohammed, marking his first visit since the journalist's death abroad. Intelligence officials determined that the prince had ordered the killing, however the former president stated that he "knew nothing" of the incident. Trump's Reaction to Reporter's Question Trump further rebuked the reporter who raised the topic, implying that the broadcaster ought to forfeit its broadcasting rights. "A lot of individuals did not like that person you are referring to," Trump remarked. "Irrespective of personal views, events unfolded, but he was unaware." The crown prince stated, "It hurts and a major error, and we are doing our best to prevent it from happening again." Financial Agreements and Defense Sales The talks additionally showcased planned Saudi Arabian funding in the United States, originally presented as $600 billion, but potentially expanded to a trillion-dollar sum. The former president confirmed his intention to provide advanced F-35 aircraft to the Saudis, in spite of objections from Israel as well as US intelligence. Both leaders additionally revealed negotiations on a potential deal for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with the Israeli government in return for a two-state solution. Middle Eastern Issues and Challenges The potential F-35 transaction has sparked alarm within Israel, that is the only operator of the advanced plane in the Middle East. US intelligence are apprehensive because of Riyadh's strong defense links with the Chinese, highlighting concerns about security breaches. Nonetheless, Trump maintained that Saudi Arabia deserves comparable high-grade planes as the Israelis, noting them being "good allies" of the United States. Additional Arrangements Besides arms deals, US officials stated plans of massive Saudi capital in America's AI industry, as well as enhanced partnership on civil nuclear power development. "We confirm our plan to boost the proposed investment to nearly $1 trillion," Prince Mohammed stated. Diplomatic Issues The Trump administration is aiming a nuclear and security partnership deal with Saudi Arabia, that President Biden's team previously attempted but failed to finalize. But, the ongoing situation, including the Hamas attack followed by ensuing operations in the region, have hindered the prospects of normalization. "After October 7, in my view the cost for Saudi to sign up to normalization with the Israelis has gone up considerably," a one-time American diplomat commented. Prospective Discussions "We want to join the Abraham Accords, however we require to secure a definite route toward Palestinian statehood," the crown prince stated. The former president echoed, stating, "We've had a very good discussion on the Abraham Accords. We discussed about various options." "We covered about many topics in a short time. We'll be discussing additional aspects," he added. "However, I believe you hold a clear grasp regarding normalization." Controversy Over Financial Ties The meeting additionally disputed due to possible overlap between the Trump family's private business interests with Gulf countries. Trump dismissed the possibility of conflict of interest, asserting he had "stepped away from his companies" and devoted "all his efforts" to his role. "I am not connected to do with the family business," he remarked. "Their business dealings is permissible. They do business all over. Their activities are limited with Riyadh, in fact. I expect they have potential. Whatever they have undertaken has been positive."