President Donald Trump has publicly distanced himself from a U.S. intelligence report that implicated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. During a meeting with Saudi officials in the Oval Office, Trump defended the crown prince and labeled the report as a ‘witch hunt,’ despite growing international pressure to investigate the incident thoroughly.
The meeting marked a significant diplomatic engagement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with Trump emphasizing strong ties and shared interests. While the administration has faced criticism for its handling of the Khashoggi case, Trump’s comments reflect a broader strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia, especially regarding regional security and energy interests.