On November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Oval Office, marking the prince's first visit since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence agencies have attributed to him. During the meeting, Trump defended the crown prince, characterizing Khashoggi as a 'controversial' figure and suggesting that inquiries into the murder were inappropriate. He stated, 'You don't have to embarrass our guest by asking a question.' This response came despite a 2021 assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that concluded MBS had approved the operation leading to Khashoggi's killing.

Crown Prince Mohammed expressed regret over Khashoggi's death, labeling it a 'huge mistake' and asserting that Saudi Arabia had taken steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The meeting also included discussions about significant economic investments, with the crown prince announcing plans to increase investments in the U.S. from $600 billion to $1 trillion, particularly in technology sectors.

Trump's remarks during the meeting raised ethical concerns, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from his family's business dealings in Saudi Arabia. He dismissed questions about these ties, labeling them as 'fake news.' The meeting highlighted the complexities of U.S.-Saudi relations, where economic interests often overshadow pressing human rights issues.

The Biden administration had previously labeled Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' state due to human rights violations, including the Khashoggi case. However, rising oil prices and geopolitical considerations have led to a reevaluation of this stance, with the current administration engaging with the crown prince to discuss oil production and regional stability.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns regarding regional security dynamics, particularly in relation to Israel. The ongoing relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia continues to be scrutinized, especially in light of the implications for human rights and the treatment of dissenters within the kingdom.