Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince, Says MBS “Knew Nothing” About Khashoggi Killing

Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince, Says MBS “Knew Nothing” About Khashoggi Killing

President Donald Trump has once again defended Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), insisting that the royal “knew nothing” about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Trump made the remarks on Monday during an Oval Office meeting with the Crown Prince, where both men discussed security cooperation, energy issues, and regional politics. Speaking to reporters afterward, Trump described MBS as a “strong partner” and dismissed long-standing allegations that the Crown Prince ordered the 2018 assassination inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

“He knew nothing about it,” Trump said. “I’ve seen no evidence that directly ties him to what happened. Saudi Arabia has been a tremendous ally, and we’re focused on moving forward.”

The killing of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and outspoken critic of the Saudi government, sparked global outrage. Multiple Western intelligence agencies, including the CIA, have previously assessed that the operation was likely approved by the Crown Prince — a claim Saudi authorities have consistently rejected.

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Trump’s latest comments have reignited debate over U.S.–Saudi relations, with critics arguing that the former president continues to shield Riyadh from accountability. Human rights groups say the failure to hold senior officials responsible undermines global efforts to protect journalists and suppresses the truth about Khashoggi’s death.

Despite the controversy, Trump praised the Crown Prince as a “reformer” and emphasized the strategic importance of the U.S.–Saudi alliance. For his part, MBS reiterated his commitment to maintaining “strong and enduring ties” between the two nations.

Observers say Trump’s remarks signal a continued willingness to overlook human rights concerns in favour of geopolitical and economic interests — a stance that has drawn praise from some allies and sharp condemnation from critics.

Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince, Says MBS “Knew Nothing” About Khashoggi Killing