Donald Trump Downplays Khashoggi Killing During Saudi Arabian Crown Prince's Presidential Meeting

Former President Donald Trump has largely ignored the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, labeling him an "extremely controversial" figure that was not well-liked.

Oval Office Talks with Saudi Crown Prince

The remarks were delivered during a White House gathering with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, representing his first visit after the columnist's killing in Istanbul.

American spy agencies assessed that the prince authorized the assassination, yet Trump maintained that the crown prince "was unaware" about it.

The Former President's Reaction to Journalist's Inquiry

Trump further rebuked the reporter who raised the issue, proposing that the broadcaster ought to forfeit its license.

"Numerous folks disliked that person you are referring to," Trump remarked. "Irrespective of personal views, things occurred, however he had no idea."

The Saudi leader stated, "It's painful and a major error, and we are working hard to ensure a recurrence."

Economic Agreements and Military Sales

The meeting further emphasized promised Saudi Arabian spending in America, originally presented as $600 billion, though later increased to $1 trillion.

The former president announced his intention to supply sophisticated F-35 planes to Saudi Arabia, despite reservations by Israeli officials as well as US intelligence.

The pair additionally revealed talks on a potential deal for Riyadh to normalize ties with Tel Aviv in return for a Palestinian state.

Regional Concerns and Challenges

The proposed F-35 transaction has sparked concern within Israel, that is the only operator of the advanced plane in the region.

American spy agencies are apprehensive due to Riyadh's close military cooperation with the Chinese, raising fears over intellectual property risks.

Nonetheless, the former president maintained that the kingdom should receive the same top-level jets as Israel, pointing to them being "good allies" of America.

Additional Arrangements

Alongside military transactions, American authorities noted hopes for multi-billion Saudi investment in the United States' AI sector, as well as deeper partnership on nuclear energy development.

"We can announce our plan to boost the proposed investment to around a trillion dollars," the Saudi leader declared.

Political Issues

The Trump government is also seeking a energy and safety arrangement with the kingdom, that the current government previously pursued unsuccessfully to secure.

Yet, the ongoing situation, including the October assault and ensuing operations in Gaza, have made difficult the chances of such a deal.

"Following the attacks, in my view the cost for Riyadh to agree to diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv has increased substantially," a former US Middle East negotiator commented.

Future Talks

"We want to participate the Abraham Accords, yet we require to guarantee a clear path for Palestinian sovereignty," the crown prince remarked.

Trump echoed, stating, "We conducted a very good talk on the Abraham Accords. We discussed about one state, two state."

"We discussed about many topics briefly. We plan to explore additional aspects," he continued. "However, I believe you hold a very good feeling for the Abraham Accords."

Controversy Over Business Interests

The meeting was also contentious due to possible connections involving the Trump family's commercial ventures with Middle Eastern nations.

The former president rejected any ethical concerns, asserting he had "withdrawn from his companies" and devoted "full attention" to governing.

"I have nothing regarding the family business," he remarked. "Their business dealings is fine. They operate all over. They've done very little in the kingdom, actually. I'm sure they could do a lot. Whatever they have undertaken has been very good."