In a display of opulence, US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, prompting backlash from Senator Bernie Sanders. Although US intelligence linked the Prince to Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, Trump lauded his accomplishments as ‘extraordinary.’ The visit featured important discussions on defense strategies and lucrative commercial partnerships.
US President Donald Trump came under fire after rolling out the red carpet for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Senator Bernie Sanders said Trump hates Muslims, except the rich ones.Sanders posted on X: “Trump dislikes Muslims, except those who are billionaire autocrats who can make his family even richer.” The visit was the first by the Saudi ruler to the United States since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It featured one of the most lavish welcomes of Trump’s presidency. The POTUS greeted bin Salman with a military flyover, cannon fire, a horse parade, and a gala on the South Lawn. The reception became tense in the Oval Office during a moment when a reporter questioned Trump about the family’s business interests in Saudi Arabia and the crown prince’s alleged role in Khashoggi’s murder. Trump snapped and called the reporter “worst”: “You don’t have to embarrass our guest. One of the worst in the business. I have devoted 100% of my energy. My family has done very little with Saudi Arabia. He’s (Prince) done a phenomenal job… He knew nothing about [Khashoggi]. ”Bin Salman addressed the allegations and called the killing “painful” and “a huge mistake.” He asserted that Saudi authorities had improved investigative systems to prevent future incidents. He also described the deaths of 9/11 victims as “painful” and argued critics were aiding Osama bin Laden’s purpose.Trump went further in his praise of the crown prince, calling his work “incredible — in human rights and in other areas,” despite US intelligence reports implicating him in Khashoggi’s murder. Alongside the Oval Office meetings, a state dinner hosted by first lady Melania Trump and upcoming announcements on defence and commercial agreements, including F-35 fighter jets and AI infrastructure investments.
