In a display of opulent diplomacy, former U.S. President Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18, 2025, despite the prince's alleged involvement in the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The lavish welcome at the White House featured a 21-gun salute, Marine Corps band, and fighter jet fly-past, setting the stage for discussions about US$1 trillion in Saudi investments and advanced military technology sales.
Lavish Welcome Overshadows Human Rights Concerns
The meeting between Trump and Prince Mohammed represented a stark contrast to the kingdom's treatment under the Biden administration, which had labeled Saudi Arabia a pariah state following Khashoggi's 2018 murder. U.S. intelligence agencies had previously concluded that the crown prince likely authorized the operation that led to Khashoggi being lured to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, murdered, and dismembered.
Trump's Oval Office welcome featured gold-leaf embellishments favored by both Gulf monarchs and the former president himself. It's an honour to be your friend, and it's an honour that you're here, Trump told the 40-year-old de facto ruler of the world's top oil exporter as cameras flashed throughout the meeting.
Trump's Shocking Response to Khashoggi Question
When a reporter questioned Trump about the Khashoggi murder during the Oval Office meeting, the former president provided a stunning response that drew immediate criticism. The crown prince knew nothing about it, Trump declared, despite CIA findings to the contrary. Things happen, he added, before accusing the journalist of attempting to embarrass his guest.
Trump further complicated his response by suggesting that a lot of people didn't like Khashoggi, referring to the Washington Post columnist and other international outlets that had published his work. The comments marked another instance of Trump using the Oval Office for unconventional diplomacy that often breaks with traditional protocol.
Major Deals and Strategic Implications
The warm reception for Prince Mohammed came with significant economic and strategic incentives for both nations. Trump offered the Saudis access to F-35 stealth fighter jets and hinted at plans to provide advanced U.S. chips and nuclear technology. The discussions also included cooperation on critical minerals development, representing a comprehensive strengthening of bilateral ties.
For Canada, the meeting carried particular significance given Trump's previous tensions with Canadian leadership. During two visits by Mark Carney earlier in the year, Trump had insulted the Canadian leader's predecessor and mused about annexing Canada. Those meetings failed to resolve punitive tariffs on Canadian goods, creating ongoing economic uncertainty for the longstanding allies.
The Saudi investment package, valued at approximately US$1 trillion, represents one of the largest potential foreign investments in U.S. history and signals a dramatic shift in Middle East relations under a potential second Trump administration. The deals could have ripple effects across global energy markets and international diplomacy.
