PRES. TRUMP AWARDED INAUGURAL FIFA PEACE PRIZE AT WORLD CUP DRAW IN WASHINGTON . (PHOTOS).
President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House on Tuesday, marking the prince’s first visit since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump defended the crown prince, saying he “knew nothing” about Khashoggi’s killing, a statement at odds with U.S. intelligence assessments that concluded Mohammed was responsible. Trump praised the prince for his leadership and said he was proud of his record on human rights.
The visit was accompanied by a ceremonial display including a military flyover, a Rose Garden tour, and Trump lauding the reception he received during his visit to Saudi Arabia. The two leaders discussed large-scale U.S. investments, economic and defense agreements, and potential arms deals, including the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets. Trump also designated Saudi Arabia as a “Major Non-NATO Ally,” expanding the country’s military cooperation with the U.S. Critics, however, raised ethical concerns over Trump’s financial ties to the kingdom and Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Crown Prince Mohammed addressed criticism over Khashoggi’s murder, the 9/11 families, and promised reforms, while analysts noted his visit signals a broader push to strengthen Saudi ties in the region despite ongoing controversies.
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