During the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to the White House, President Donald Trump defended the prince against 2018 murder accusations, rejecting U.S. intelligence findings and stating the prince “knew nothing” about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
When an ABC News correspondent asked the prince why he should be trusted given the intelligence assessment, Trump sharply interrupted and criticized her question, calling the network “fake news” and suggesting its broadcast license should be revoked.
The president insisted that his family’s business dealings in Saudi Arabia were minimal and legitimate, and described the slain journalist as “extremely controversial,” saying, “things happen.”
The exchange occurred amid the lavish welcome the prince received, marking a significant moment in Saudi-U.S. relations even as human rights concerns remain unresolved.