🔗 Share this article

Former President Trump appeared to shrug off the assassination of columnist Khashoggi, labeling him an "extremely controversial" individual who was disliked.

Oval Office Discussion with Saudi Leader

The remarks were delivered throughout a presidential session with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, representing his inaugural appearance since the journalist's death in Turkey.

American spy agencies had previously concluded that Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the assassination, however the former president insisted that he "had no knowledge" of the incident.

Trump's Reply to Reporter's Inquiry

Donald Trump also criticized the reporter who raised the issue, proposing that the network deserve to lose its broadcasting rights.

"Numerous folks did not like that gentleman you mention," the former president remarked. "Irrespective of personal views, incidents happened, however he was unaware."

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

Economic Deals and Defense Transactions

The discussion further emphasized planned Saudi investment in America, originally presented as a $600bn package, though subsequently raised to $1 trillion.

Trump stated his plan to sell sophisticated F-35 aircraft to the Saudis, despite reservations by Israeli officials as well as American spy agencies.

The pair also confirmed talks on a potential deal for the kingdom to establish ties with the Israeli government in exchange for a Palestinian state.

Regional Issues and Challenges

The proposed F-35 transaction has triggered concern within Israel, which has exclusive access to the F-35 locally.

Intelligence officials are also worried given Riyadh's close defense links with the Chinese, raising concerns over intellectual property risks.

However, Trump maintained that the kingdom deserves comparable high-grade aircraft as Israel, noting their role as "good allies" of the United States.

Broader Agreements

Alongside weapons sales, US officials stated hopes for multi-billion Saudi Arabian capital in the US artificial intelligence sector, plus deeper partnership in civil nuclear power development.

"We can announce that we will raise that $600 billion to around a trillion dollars," Prince Mohammed stated.

Diplomatic Issues

The former president's government is aiming a nuclear and security arrangement with the kingdom, that the Biden administration had tried without success to achieve.

Yet, current developments, such as the October assault followed by later bombardment in Gaza, have made difficult the likelihood of normalization.

"Following the attacks, I think the conditions for Saudi to sign up to relations with the Israelis has increased substantially," a one-time US Middle East negotiator remarked.

Future Discussions

"We desire to be part the Abraham Accords, but we additionally seek to guarantee a clear path toward Palestinian statehood," Prince Mohammed stated.

Trump concurred, saying, "We conducted a productive conversation on the Abraham Accords. We spoke about potential solutions."

"We covered about many topics briefly. We will continue more details," he added. "But I think you hold a very good feeling for the Abraham Accords."

Debate Over Business Interests

The encounter further contentious because of alleged connections between the former president's family private business interests with Middle Eastern countries.

The former president dismissed any impropriety, claiming he had "relinquished control from his companies" while devoted "full attention" to governing.

"I am not connected regarding the family business," he remarked. "Their actions is permissible. They do business worldwide. Their activities are limited in the kingdom, actually. I'm sure they have potential. Whatever they have undertaken has been very good."