5:57President Donald Trump welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Oval Office at the White House, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington.Evan Vucci/AP
President Donald Trump on Tuesday emphatically defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his initial U.S. visit in seven years, asserting that the Saudi dignitary has accomplished "extraordinary feats with regard to human rights" and brushed aside inquiries surrounding the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
According to U.S. intelligence assessments, MBS, as he is commonly known, sanctioned an initiative that culminated in the demise of Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post and a critic of Saudi policies, at the hands of Saudi operatives in Istanbul, thereby provoking widespread international condemnation.
"Incidents occur, but he had no prior knowledge, and let's conclude the discussion there," Trump remarked, cutting in when the prince was questioned regarding Khashoggi's slaying.
President Donald Trump engages in conversation during a formal meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in the Oval Office at the White House, November 18, 2025 in Washington.Win Mcnamee/Getty Images
The dialogue in the Oval Office ensued after Trump extended a grand welcome to MBS at the White House, featuring a ceremonial arrival complete with a red carpet adorned with flags and a U.S. military honor guard on horseback, displaying both U.S. and Saudi flags.
Trump defends MBS concerning the journalist's death
When ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce inquired about Khashoggi's killing and the outrage expressed by families of 9/11 victims over the visit, citing Saudi Arabia's alleged involvement in the attacks, Trump retorted angrily to Bruce, "There is no need to put our guest on the spot by posing such a question."
"In terms of this esteemed individual, he has executed a magnificent job," Trump remarked about the prince.
President Donald Trump meets Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington.Evan Vucci/AP
"You're referring to someone who was exceedingly divisive," Trump stated, alluding to Khashoggi. "Numerous individuals held unfavorable opinions of the person you are discussing, irrespective of your personal sentiments towards him, incidents occur, but he was completely unaware, and we can conclude the discussion there," he mentioned regarding MBS.
The crown prince had previously refuted issuing directives for Khashoggi's assassination but subsequently admitted to accountability in his capacity as the kingdom's actual leader.
In 2021, a report originating from the U.S. intelligence community concluded, "Our assessment indicates that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman authorized an operation in Istanbul, Turkey, with the objective of capturing or eliminating Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi."
It further elaborated, "The Crown Prince regarded Khashoggi as posing a threat to the Kingdom and broadly supported resorting to forceful measures, if deemed necessary, to silence him."
On Tuesday, MBS addressed the concerns surrounding both 9/11 and Khashoggi.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia observes a session with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, November 18, 2025 in Washington.Win Mcnamee/Getty Images
"The suffering of the families of 9/11 in America deeply affects me, but we must direct our focus towards reality," he conveyed.
The prince alleged that Osama bin Laden exploited Saudis to undermine the alliance between the kingdom and the United States.
"Our efforts have been directed towards disproving [bin Laden] and advancing our nation's progress. This is of utmost importance for global safety," he asserted.
MBS commented regarding "the journalist" that "it is truly regrettable to witness anyone losing their life without a justifiable cause."
"This has been a painful experience for us in Saudi Arabia," he expressed. "We have diligently undertaken all the appropriate measures of investigation, etc., in Saudi Arabia, and we have refined our systems to ensure the prevention of similar occurrences. It is a regrettable and significant error, and we are committed to exerting our utmost effort to prevent its recurrence."
Trump dismisses conflict of interest stemming from family business dealings in Saudi Arabia
Prior to the aforementioned exchange, Bruce questioned Trump regarding potential conflicts of interest arising from his family's business operations in Saudi Arabia during his tenure as president, given that The Trump Organization has numerous ongoing ventures within the kingdom.
President Donald Trump exchanges handshakes with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, November 18, 2025.Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
In the preceding month, The Trump Organization unveiled intentions for the construction of a Trump Plaza in Saudi Arabia, which will encompass "a dynamic green pathway reminiscent of Central Park, injecting Manhattan-esque energy into the core of Jeddah."
Trump maintained that he has no involvement in his family's business affairs.
"The activities of my family are perfectly acceptable. They conduct business on a global scale. Their involvement with Saudi Arabia has been, in reality, quite minimal. They possess the capacity to engage extensively, I have no doubt. Any engagement they have undertaken has been exceedingly beneficial," he asserted.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and President Donald Trump observe a military aerial display as bin Salman arrives at the White House, November 18, 2025 in Washington.Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Grandeur and ceremony for MBS
Trump and MBS exchanged handshakes and posed for photographers prior to initiating their bilateral discussions.
President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman confer in the Colonnade at the White House in Washington, November 18, 2025.Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
"I am honored to be your friend, and it is an honor to have you present here," Trump later expressed to MBS inside the Oval Office.
President Donald Trump speaks as he hosts a dinner for Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, at the White House in Washington, November 18, 2025.Tom Brenner/Reuters
During a Tuesday evening dinner held in the East Room, Trump declared Saudi Arabia as a "major non-NATO ally" and lauded the kingdom's pledges of investment in the U.S.
"I am pleased to announce this evening that we are elevating our military cooperation to unprecedented levels by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, an event of significant importance to them," Trump stated.
Trump also revealed that both nations had ratified a strategic defense agreement.
While Trump refrained from sharing specifics regarding the accord, a fact sheet pertaining to the visit stated that the U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement (SDA) would "facilitate U.S. defense firms' operations within Saudi Arabia," guarantee "new funds for burden-sharing from Saudi Arabia to alleviate U.S. expenditures," and affirm "the Kingdom's perception of the United States as its foremost strategic partner." With this newly conferred designation, Saudi Arabia is now among U.S. allies such as Australia, Israel, and Qatar.
Among the assembly of over 140 seated guests were billionaire Elon Musk, making a return to the White House after his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and renowned soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, who participates in the Saudi Pro League and whom Trump mentioned that his son Barron had the opportunity to meet.
Also noticed amongst the attendees were Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo, golfer Bryson DeChambeau, Donald Trump Jr., Fox News anchor Bret Baier, Trump's son-in-law Michael Boulos, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Elon Musk attends a dinner hosted by President Donald Trump for Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, at the White House in Washington, November 18, 2025.Tom Brenner/Reuters
An emphasis on defense and commerce
Trump and MBS addressed reporters in the Oval Office, where the president voiced being "extremely satisfied" with the endeavors of the crown prince.
The president promoted business contracts and financial collaborations, including a $1 trillion investment in the United States.
President Donald Trump greets Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, November 18, 2025.Andrew Caballero-reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
"Our friendship spans a considerable duration. We have consistently aligned ourselves on every matter of importance," Trump conveyed to MBS as he observed, smiling.
The prince's sojourn to the U.S. is being touted as a "formal working visit," intended to advance and elaborate upon Trump's appearance in Riyadh in May — which marked the inaugural formal visit of Trump's second presidential term.
During his May visit, Trump unveiled a $142 billion arms arrangement with the Saudis, which, according to a White House fact sheet, constituted the "most substantial defense collaboration agreement" ever enacted by Washington.
"In regards to the myriad of financial, economic, and artificial intelligence agreements declared somewhat ambiguously six months prior, we may witness tangible progression this time around, with the hopes of gaining additional clarity pertaining to the precise substance of these accords," elucidated Elizabeth Dent, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the former director for the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula within the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon.
President Donald Trump walks with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman along the colonnade, at the White House, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington.Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Tuesday's agreement encompasses dealings with over a dozen U.S. defense entities across domains such as aerial and missile defense, the advancement of air force and space capabilities, maritime protection, and communication systems, as per the fact sheet.
Salient features of the agreements include, but are not limited to: multi-billion dollar investments in America’s AI infrastructure; improved collaboration on civil nuclear energy; defense commerce designed to foster enhanced defense partnerships between the two nations; and the fulfillment of Saudi Arabia’s $600 billion investment commitment via a multitude of specifically targeted investments.
The kingdom reciprocated by revealing a $600 billion investment in the U.S. encompassing diverse sectors such as energy security, defense, technology, global infrastructure, and essential minerals.
"We harbor a strong belief in the future openness of America. We firmly believe in your endeavors, Mr. President, to establish a solid groundwork for sustained economic expansion and increased business opportunities in America," articulated the crown prince.
Among the notable deals proclaimed under the $600 billion pledge were investments in: U.S.-based artificial intelligence data centers and energy infrastructure; cutting-edge technologies; Saudi infrastructure initiatives; U.S. energy equipment and commercial aircraft; the U.S. healthcare supply network; and U.S. sports industries.
Trump consents to the sale of F-35s to the kingdom
In anticipation of the Tuesday session, the crown prince had seemingly secured a much sought-after arms agreement encompassing advanced F-35 fighter jets from the U.S.
During an event held on Monday in the Oval Office, Trump affirmed his intention to vend F-35s to Saudi Arabia as part of an arms transaction, which experts believe would signify the first occasion these aircraft have been offered to an Arab military.
President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington.Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
The potential transference of sophisticated F-35 fighter planes to the Saudi kingdom is anticipated to engender concern within Israel.
U.S. statutes mandate that any arms transaction to nations in the Middle East must not endanger Israel's security, and it remains unclear whether Trump has satisfied this condition in approving the sale of these aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
"This encompasses a wide array of considerations, including Israel's obligation to maintain its qualitatively superior military status, as mandated by Congress," stated Dent. "Therefore, should the transaction proceed, it is crucial to ascertain the optimal method for ensuring Israel's continued dominance, considering their current exclusivity in possessing F-35s within the Middle East."
"I suspect the Israelis are likely to harbor considerable apprehension regarding these circulating speculations in the absence of any indication of normalization," Dent appended.
The president was questioned as to whether these are the same aircraft employed by the Israeli military.
“Regarding the F-35, and in response to your inquiry concerning similarity, my estimation is that they will bear significant resemblance. Yes," he responded.
Saudis insist on a 'viable route' to Palestinian statehood
The Saudi leader is in pursuit of security assurances from the U.S. amidst instability in the Middle East. Although the security pact with the U.S. is under deliberation and has not been officially sanctioned, the kingdom is dedicated to augmenting military and security bonds between the two nations.
These security commitments are perceived by certain individuals as a component of a larger regional "megadeal" that includes normalization with Israel, a pursuit that Trump will undoubtedly champion, notwithstanding the Saudi kingdom's rejection thereof under the current Israeli leadership.
Trump apprised reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday that he would broach the subject with the crown prince.
President Donald Trump meets Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington.Evan Vucci/AP
"My hope is that Saudi Arabia will soon embrace the Abraham Accords," he asserted.
Earlier this year, Trump enacted an unprecedented defense agreement with Qatar via executive order that recognizes the "enduring alliance" between the U.S. and Qatar and provides Qatar an explicit security guarantee in the event of "external attack."
Many analysts have voiced their belief that the Saudis are seeking a similar defense pact with the U.S.
"I anticipate it will bear resemblance to Qatar's pact, wherein it essentially proclaims that any form of threat or aggression against Saudi Arabia will be deemed an assault on the United States, to which the United States will respond appropriately, varying from diplomatic measures to military intervention. The administration, in my opinion, will certainly ensure the retention of that decisional autonomy," Dent remarked. "Much remains to be ironed out. A significant portion of these discussions will pertain to expectation management."
The kingdom is deeply committed to enacting the president's 20-point peace proposal for Gaza. It has previously stated a desire for the emergence of a credible pathway towards an autonomous and liberated Palestine as a prerequisite for advocating the demilitarization of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza.
However, Israel has presented an impediment to Palestinian statehood, an obstacle certain to incite unease among Arab regional allies who are pressing for enduring peace in Gaza.
"Our stance against a Palestinian state in any region remains unaltered," asserted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his weekly cabinet session on Sunday. "Gaza shall be demilitarized, and Hamas shall be disarmed, by either amenable or coercive means."
Netanyahu has traditionally opposed a Palestinian state, conveying in preceding months that its formation would merely reward Hamas and imperil Israel's security.
ABC News' Christopher Boccia, Will Steakin and Hannah Demissie contributed to this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
