• Former President Donald Trump has publicly stated Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "knew nothing" about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
  • The defense comes as the Crown Prince continues to deny involvement in the killing that strained Saudi Arabia's international relations.
  • Trump's comments highlight the strong U.S.-Saudi ties during his administration, marked by recent high-level interactions between the two leaders.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "knew nothing" about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, offering a robust defense of the kingdom's de facto ruler amid ongoing international scrutiny.

The comments, made during recent public appearances, align with the Crown Prince's continued denial of involvement in the operation that resulted in Khashoggi's death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The killing had severely strained Saudi Arabia's relations with Western governments and human rights organizations.

Trump's defense comes alongside continued high-profile interactions between the two leaders, including what sources described as a warm reception during recent diplomatic engagements. The former president has consistently emphasized Saudi Arabia's importance as a U.S. ally and economic partner, particularly regarding arms deals and regional security cooperation against Iran.

According to people familiar with the matter, the relationship between Trump and the Crown Prince remained strong throughout Trump's presidency, with both leaders prioritizing strategic cooperation over human rights concerns. The Crown Prince's recent White House visit marked his first since the 2018 incident, signaling ongoing efforts to normalize relations despite persistent controversy.

Efforts to reach representatives for the Crown Prince for additional comment were unsuccessful. A spokesperson for Trump confirmed the former president's remarks but declined to elaborate further on the timing or context of the statements.

The CIA and several international investigations had previously found credible links implicating Saudi government agents close to the Crown Prince in the operation, though formal accountability has remained limited. The official Saudi stance continues to deny the Crown Prince's involvement.

Some members of Congress have called for sanctions or a reassessment of U.S.-Saudi ties in response to the killing, while others support continued strategic cooperation. Human rights organizations continue to monitor Saudi Arabia's treatment of dissent and journalists.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the year of Jamal Khashoggi's killing. It occurred in 2018, not 2019.