Trump Praises Saudi Crown Prince Amid Controversy During Riyadh Visit
In a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, President Donald Trump celebrated his relationship with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, despite lingering concerns over the prince’s alleged role in the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The remarks took place at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, where influential figures such as Tesla’s Elon Musk and BlackRock’s Larry Fink gathered.
Trump’s 50-minute speech featured an enthusiastic endorsement of bin Salman, whom he hailed as Saudi Arabia’s “greatest representative.” He remarked, "Mohammed, do you sleep at night?” and lauded the Crown Prince for achieving what many thought impossible over the past eight years, despite criticisms. Bin Salman reciprocated with a smile, placing his hand over his heart as Trump expressed his affection, stating, “I like him too much. That’s why we give so much.”
In addition to the personal accolades, Trump announced plans to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria, indicating that the Crown Prince may have requested this action, stating, “Oh, what I do for the crown prince.” Trump characterized the sanctions as “brutal and crippling” but justified the change as a chance for growth.
This endorsement comes four years after a U.S. intelligence report concluded that bin Salman ordered Khashoggi’s killing in 2018, a claim he continues to deny. Trump dismissed these findings, reiterating support for the Crown Prince amid widespread international condemnation.
The event showcased the complex ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, blending business interests with controversial political relationships as President Trump navigates domestic and international challenges.
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