Trump Hosts MBS Amid Khashoggi Shadow: US-Saudi Deals Valued at $1 Trillion

US President Donald Trump extended a grand White House welcome to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), marking his first visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump greeted the Crown Prince with full ceremonial honours, a gesture signaling a thaw in US-Saudi relations despite the ongoing controversy.

During the visit, Trump praised MBS for "incredible progress on human rights" without specifying details. These remarks, perceived as a defence of the Crown Prince, triggered significant outrage, including from Khashoggi’s wife, Hana Elter. Elter expressed deep distress, stating Trump’s justification for her husbands murder upset her profoundly.

The meeting also saw the signing of billions of dollars in new investment deals, elevating total Saudi investments to $1 trillion, up from $600 billion. This financial commitment appears to be a key driver behind the lavish reception afforded to the Saudi Crown Prince amidst calls for accountability over Khashoggi's death.