🔗 Share this article

Ex-President Donald Trump has largely ignored the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calling him an "highly divisive" figure who was unpopular.

Oval Office Talks alongside Saudi Arabian Crown Prince

The remarks were made amid a White House meeting alongside the Saudi crown prince, marking his inaugural appearance since the journalist's death in Turkey.

US intelligence determined that the prince had ordered the assassination, but the former president insisted that the prince "had no knowledge" of the incident.

Trump's Response to Reporter's Question

Donald Trump further rebuked the journalist who raised the matter, suggesting that the network deserve to lose its permit.

"A lot of individuals disliked that gentleman you are referring to," the former president commented. "Regardless of your opinion, events unfolded, however he was unaware."

The Saudi leader responded, "It hurts and it's a huge mistake, and we are working hard to stop a recurrence."

Financial Arrangements and Military Sales

The meeting additionally showcased proposed Saudi Arabian investment in the United States, first announced as $600 billion, but later increased to one trillion dollars.

Trump stated his plan to sell sophisticated F-35 aircraft to the Saudis, in spite of concerns from the Israeli government as well as intelligence communities.

The pair also confirmed talks regarding a possible deal for Saudi Arabia to normalize diplomatic links with Tel Aviv in return for a Palestinian state.

Regional Concerns and Complications

The potential fighter jet deal has raised alarm among Israeli officials, that currently possesses the advanced plane in the Middle East.

Intelligence officials have expressed concern given Saudi Arabia's extensive military cooperation with Beijing, bringing up concerns about security breaches.

Nevertheless, Trump insisted that the kingdom should receive the same top-level aircraft as the Israelis, noting their status as "strong partners" of the US.

Broader Arrangements

Besides arms deals, administration representatives stated hopes of multi-billion Saudi Arabian funding in the United States' AI industry, plus greater collaboration on atomic energy projects.

"We confirm our plan to boost the initial amount to nearly $1 trillion," Prince Mohammed stated.

Diplomatic Issues

The former president's team is also seeking a nuclear and security partnership deal with the kingdom, which the current government previously attempted without success to secure.

Yet, recent events, including the October assault followed by later bombardment in the region, have complicated the prospects of an agreement.

"Following the attacks, I believe the conditions for Saudi to commit to normalization with the Israelis has risen substantially," an ex- peace envoy commented.

Prospective Discussions

"We wish to be part the diplomatic deals, but we also want to ensure a clear path for a two-state solution," the Saudi leader remarked.

Trump agreed, stating, "We've had an excellent talk on the Abraham Accords. We talked about potential solutions."

"We covered about a lot quickly. We plan to explore it further," Trump continued. "But I think you hold a very good feeling for the Abraham Accords."

Debate Over Financial Ties

The meeting further controversial due to alleged overlap between the Trump family's financial activities with Gulf nations.

Trump denied the possibility of conflict of interest, stating he has "stepped away from his companies" and dedicated "100% of his energy" to his role.

"I am not connected regarding my family's enterprises," he stated. "Their actions is permissible. They work worldwide. Their activities are limited with Riyadh, in fact. I'm sure they could do a lot. And anything they've done has been very good."