U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was unaware of the killing of U.S. resident and Saudi citizen Jamal Khashoggi. Trump warmly welcomed Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, commonly known as MBS, for discussions that were anticipated to facilitate the sale of F-35 fighter jets and various business agreements with the kingdom.
Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi royal family, disappeared after entering a Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. Turkish officials alleged that his attackers strangled him, dismembered his body with a bone saw, and disposed of it, describing the incident as a premeditated assault.
Despite U.S. intelligence findings linking MBS to the capture or killing of Khashoggi, the crown prince denied direct involvement but accepted responsibility as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. Trump defended bin Salman, stating that he was not aware of the situation when questioned by an ABC News journalist during the visit.
Bin Salman expressed regret over the loss of life and pledged that the kingdom had conducted an investigation to prevent such incidents from recurring. The cordial reception extended to the crown prince in Washington suggested a restoration of relations following the strains caused by Khashoggi’s murder.
The visit was met with protests staged by DAWN, a human rights and democracy organization founded by Khashoggi, outside the Saudi embassy in Washington, D.C. An LED billboard truck displayed an image of MBS with the message: “Mr. Bone Saw is in town and wants you to forget about his crimes.”
Bin Salman, positioning himself as a peacemaker, has endeavored to mend relations with Iran, advocate for a Gaza ceasefire, and reintegrate Syria into the Arab community. On the domestic front, he has spearheaded economic reforms and social liberalization efforts in Saudi Arabia.
While invited to the G7 summit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, bin Salman did not attend. The Canadian government, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, denounced the killing of Khashoggi in 2018 and imposed sanctions on 17 Saudis allegedly linked to the incident.
The meeting between Trump and bin Salman highlighted the strategic partnership between the largest global economy and the leading oil exporter. Discussions focused on enhancing defense ties, civil nuclear cooperation, and significant business deals, including Saudi Arabia’s purchase of advanced F-35 fighter jets from the U.S.
Bin Salman’s ascent to power commenced when King Salman appointed him to key roles, including defense, as Saudi Arabia led efforts against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Domestically, he has implemented reforms such as curtailing the authority of religious police, empowering women, and fostering social modernization in the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has positioned itself in the global sports arena, sponsoring golf events, hosting major boxing matches, and securing the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The country’s image transformation, characterized by societal shifts and economic diversification, has been underscored by cultural events and increased gender equality initiatives.