(NewsNation) — As President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, he alleged the crown prince knew nothing about the 2018 murder of a journalist, announced a $1 trillion investment in the U.S. and threatened ABC’s license over questions regarding the Epstein files.
The president called Prince Mohammed a “very respected” man and said he is doing a great job with human rights as the two spoke to reporters.
“It’s an honor to be your friend,” Trump said.
Death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi
It is the crown prince’s first visit since the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents.
The relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader deteriorated after Khashoggi’s death, which U.S. intelligence reported was likely ordered by Prince Mohammed.
Trump, however, has embraced the prince and Saudi Arabia as he has attempted to achieve his goal of securing peace in the Middle East. During the meeting, he suggested that the crown prince knew nothing about Khashoggi’s killing, contrary to all intelligence assessments. \NewsNation obtained two letters sent by Khashoggi’s widow to Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
“As the peace president, I believe you are the only person who can help me finally bring peace between myself, my husband and the crown prince,” she wrote.
When asked about Khashoggi’s death, the president accused the reporter of embarrassing his guest.
“You’re mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about. Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that,” Trump said of Khashoggi.
“This is not justification to murder him. While Jamal was a good, transparent and brave man, many may not have agreed with his opinions and desire for freedom of the press,” Khashoggi’s wife said to NewsNation in response. “The Crown Prince said he was sorry so he should meet me, apologize and compensate me for the murder of my husband.”
Epstein files
When asked about the Epstein files, Trump lashed out at the ABC reporter, calling her a “terrible person” for her “attitude” as she asked the question.
He then threatened the network’s license. He also called the files a “Democrat hoax” and named a number of Democrats he alleges are in the files.
Saudi Investment in U.S.
Trump announced that Saudi Arabia will be investing $600 billion in the U.S. in artificial intelligence and technology, then suggested it could be raised to one trillion.
“Definitely,” Prince Mohammed said in response.
When asked about conflicts of interest regarding his family’s business in Saudi Arabia, the president asked the reporter for her outlet and then called ABC “fake news.” The crown prince is overseeing a major construction project that is in talks with the Trump family business.
Human rights and regional security
When Prince Mohammed was questioned on human rights and Saudi Arabia’s involvement in 9/11, the president defended him and said he was doing a “phenomenal job.”
Tuesday’s discussion is likely to center on the sale of F-35 fighter jets. Trump recently announced the decision to sell the jets despite concerns from some in the administration that it could lead to China accessing U.S. technology, threatening Israel’s military superiority in the region.
President Trump said Saudi Arabia will get F-35s that are “pretty similar” to those that Israel has, calling both countries great allies.
Trump has urged Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, another likely topic of conversation as efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Gaza continue following the United Nations’ endorsement of Trump’s peace proposal.
Saudi Arabia has advocated for Palestinian statehood as a key element of peace in the region. Trump said that he and the crown prince had talked about different possibilities.
“We have reached an agreement,” Trump said.
Trump also said he was open to dealing with Iran, saying the country wants to make a deal.